Hurricane Milton caused extensive damage as it tore across Florida, creating a path of destruction from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of 120 mph, causing widespread flooding, destroying homes, and toppling a massive crane into an office building. Tampa Bay experienced a reverse storm surge, driving water away from the shoreline.
At least two deaths were reported in Fort Pierce due to a suspected tornado. More than 3 million homes and businesses lost power, and a flash flood emergency was in effect for Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater after receiving over 16 inches of rain. Oil prices rose due to increased fuel demand from the storm and concerns about supply disruptions in the Middle East.
Taylor Swift donated $5 million to hurricane relief efforts for victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A crane collapsed near a construction site in St. Petersburg, leaving a hole in an office building that houses multiple businesses. Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was damaged by the high winds. Reported tornadoes caused extensive damage in southwest Florida, and analysts predict Hurricane Milton could result in up to $100 billion in losses for the global insurance industry.
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