Hurricane Milton Live Updates: Monster Storm Devastates Florida, Deaths Confirmed

October 10, 2024 – Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 4 storm, has made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast, bringing with it catastrophic winds, storm surges, and flooding. The deadly storm, which intensified rapidly as it approached the Florida coastline, has left a trail of destruction in its wake. As of this morning, reports confirm multiple deaths, though the full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed.

Landfall and Devastation

Hurricane Milton made landfall early today near the small coastal town of Cedar Key, packing sustained winds of 145 mph (233 km/h) and gusts reaching even higher. The storm’s immense power caused immediate devastation, knocking out power to millions of residents, flattening homes, and uprooting trees. The region is facing widespread destruction, with many homes underwater due to storm surges reaching up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) in some areas.

Governor Declares State of Emergency: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, warning residents to evacuate or shelter in place. “This storm is a monster,” DeSantis said during a press conference yesterday. “If you’re in the path, you must get to safety immediately.”

Confirmed Deaths and Rising Casualties

As of this morning, officials have confirmed at least seven deaths, though that number is expected to rise as emergency crews begin assessing the hardest-hit areas. In many coastal communities, residents were unable to evacuate in time, trapped by the storm’s rapid intensification. Search-and-rescue teams are now being deployed to comb through debris and floodwaters in hopes of finding survivors.

Among the confirmed fatalities, three deaths occurred in Crystal River, where the storm surge caused flash flooding and swept away several homes. Emergency responders have been overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, with officials describing scenes of “unimaginable destruction.”

Rescue Operations Underway

Emergency services, including the National Guard, FEMA, and local law enforcement, are working tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and provide emergency relief. In many areas, rescue operations are being complicated by the high winds, downed power lines, and flooded roads. The U.S. Coast Guard has dispatched helicopters to assist in airlifting people from rooftops and flooded neighborhoods.

Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has set up evacuation shelters, but many areas are still inaccessible due to flooding. As of the latest reports, over 500,000 people have been evacuated from the immediate coastal areas, though thousands more remain trapped or displaced.

Widespread Power Outages and Damage

More than 3 million people are currently without power across Florida, with widespread outages reported from the Gulf Coast to inland areas as Milton moved northeast. Utility companies are warning that it could take days or even weeks to restore power to some regions due to the scale of the destruction.

In addition to downed power lines and destroyed infrastructure, reports are coming in of buildings and homes completely leveled by the storm. Major highways, including I-75 and I-10, have been closed due to flooding and debris, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

Storm Surge and Flooding: Florida’s Greatest Threat

One of the most dangerous aspects of Hurricane Milton is the massive storm surge it has produced. Surge levels reached up to 12 feet along parts of the Gulf Coast, submerging entire neighborhoods and washing away vehicles. Coastal cities like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota are experiencing some of the worst flooding in decades.

Experts warn that the storm surge, combined with days of heavy rainfall, will continue to pose a severe risk even as the storm moves inland. Rainfall totals of up to 20 inches are expected in parts of northern Florida, and flash flooding remains a significant concern across the state.

Local authorities are urging residents to avoid traveling in flooded areas and to heed evacuation orders as rivers and waterways continue to rise. Water rescues are being conducted in low-lying areas where floodwaters have trapped residents in their homes.

National Guard and Federal Assistance Deployed

The National Guard has been fully mobilized, with over 5,000 troops deployed to assist in rescue operations and to provide emergency services. FEMA has also been activated and is coordinating with state and local governments to bring in additional resources, including food, water, and medical supplies.

President Biden has declared the entire state of Florida a federal disaster zone, allowing for federal funding and resources to be distributed to affected areas. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted by Hurricane Milton,” Biden said in a statement this morning. “We are working around the clock to provide relief and ensure the safety of all Floridians.”

Milton’s Path: What Comes Next

After making landfall, Hurricane Milton is expected to continue its path northeast across Florida, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and the threat of tornadoes to central and northern Florida. The storm will then likely weaken to a Category 2 as it moves toward Georgia and the Carolinas, but officials warn that Milton’s impacts will still be severe, especially due to flash flooding in already saturated areas.

Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) are urging residents in the path of the storm to prepare for dangerous conditions, particularly in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Tornado watches have been issued for much of northern Florida, and the NHC warns that the risk of flash flooding will persist as far north as Atlanta and into the Carolinas.

How to Stay Safe and Informed

As the storm continues to batter Florida, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and follow official evacuation orders. Those in affected areas should have emergency supplies on hand, including food, water, medications, and flashlights, as power outages and communication disruptions are expected to continue.

For those seeking shelter, the Red Cross and local emergency services have set up evacuation centers across the state. Authorities are also advising people to avoid downed power lines and flooded roadways, as both pose serious hazards.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by tuning in to local news updates and following advisories from the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.

A Storm Florida Will Never Forget

Hurricane Milton’s devastation has already etched itself into Florida’s history as one of the most catastrophic storms to hit the state in recent memory. With lives lost, homes destroyed, and entire communities underwater, the recovery process will be long and challenging. As the storm moves on and rescue efforts continue, the resilience and solidarity of the people of Florida will once again be tested in the face of unimaginable tragedy.