WATCH LIVE

New York CityNew JerseyLong IslandNorthern SuburbsConnecticut
EDIT
Welcome,
Manage MyDisney Account
Log Out

At least 13 dead after Hurricane Milton hits Florida as Category 3 storm

13 people killed | At least 150 tornadoes reported across Florida

WABC logo
Last updated: Friday, October 11, 2024 9:05AM GMT

Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, and whipping up a barrage of tornadoes. It caused at least 25 deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.

The storm tracked to the south in the final hours and made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night in Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa. While it caused a lot of damage and water levels may continue to rise for days, Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was not "the worst-case scenario."

Key Headlines

Here's how the storm is developing.
Oct 10, 2024, 5:52 PM

PHOTOS | Hurricane Milton

1 of 10
This image provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shows an aerial view of the extensive flooding on Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office via AP

Hurricane Milton brought powerful winds, a dangerous storm surge and flooding to much of Florida after making landfall along the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm.

Here's a look at the damage from the storm.

AP logo
Oct 10, 2024, 10:05 PM

More than 3 million without power in Florida

Cars move slowly after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Matlacha, Fla.
Cars move slowly after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Matlacha, Fla.

More than 3 million customers are without power in Florida.

More than 50,000 linemen have been pre-staged across Florida to restore power, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

ABCNews logo
Oct 10, 2024, 1:12 AM GMT

'We have lost some life' from tornadoes, St. Lucie sheriff says

St. Lucie County Sheriff told WPBF-TV "we have lost some life" in tornadoes that hit on the east coast of Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall Wednesday.

First responders were out for reported tornadoes in wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Martin County, St. Lucie County and the Vero Beach Region of Indian River County on the east coast of Florida.

St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson did not say how many people died, but did say they have asked for search and rescue teams.

Oct 10, 2024, 1:07 AM GMT

Hurricane Milton makes landfall near Siesta Key, Florida

Hurricane Milton made landfall around 8:30 p.m. near Siesta Key, Florida.

The National Weather Service Doppler radar data indicated Milton made landfall in Sarasota County along the west coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds.

Hurricane Milton has made landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm.
ABCNews logo
Oct 10, 2024, 12:12 AM GMT

125 homes destroyed in tornado outbreak, Florida official says

An estimated 125 homes have been destroyed amid a "life-threatening" tornado outbreak ahead of Milton's landfall, according to Kevin Guthrie, the head of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Florida's east coast has had "a lot of tornadic activity" that has resulted in structural damage, he said during a press briefing Wednesday evening.

Based on preliminary information, about 125 homes have been destroyed, "most of them mobile homes and senior communities," he said.

"So we're trying to get into Florida's most vulnerable to make sure we're they're taken care of," he added.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said there have been 116 tornado warnings issued on Wednesday, with 19 confirmed touchdowns.

ABCNews logo
Oct 09, 2024, 11:44 PM GMT

Northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton moves ashore in Florida

The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton has come ashore in Florida with 120 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said.

"The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore of the Florida gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where an Extreme Wind Warning is now in effect. Please shelter in place as these extremely dangerous hurricane-force winds overspread the region," the NHC warned.

Watch Live
ON NOW