Hurricane Milton made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm, bringing powerful winds, deadly storm surge, and potential flooding to the state. The hurricane hit Siesta Key with winds of 120 mph, causing significant damage and power outages. Search and rescue efforts were underway in Florida after dangerous tornadoes ripped through the region, destroying homes and causing structural damage.
As the storm approached, more than 1 million homes and businesses lost power across Florida, with the highest number of outages in Sarasota County. The impact of Hurricane Milton also raised concerns about hazardous waste from the state’s fertilizer industry being scattered by the storm.
Tornadoes spawned by the hurricane caused significant damage to structures, including the St. Lucie Sheriff’s office. Residents were urged to stay indoors and seek shelter as the hurricane brought dangerous conditions. The storm also led to the suspension of emergency services in some counties, complicating rescue efforts.
In the midst of dealing with the hurricane, concerns arose about a severe solar storm heading towards Earth, posing a threat to power grids already stressed by the impact of consecutive hurricanes. The U.S. Coast Guard was prepared to assist with search and rescue operations and assess damage. Gas stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg reported fuel shortages, further complicating evacuation efforts.
Overall, Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida was severe, causing widespread damage, power outages, and hazardous conditions. Authorities urged residents to take precautions and remain vigilant as the storm continued to move through the region.
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