Hurricane Milton live updates: Florida surveys ‘tragic’ damage in wake of monster storm, dozens of tornadoes

WorldEnvironment
11 Oct 2024 • 4:59 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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At least 12 people have died after Hurricane Milton devastated portions of Florida, leaving residents waking up to survey the damage.

Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night near Sarasota County’s Siesta Key, bringing multiple tornadoes, 28ft waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surge.

Four people in St Lucie County retirement village have been killed by tornadoes brought on by the hurricane after a dozen twisters spawned in the region within 20 minutes.

Ferocious winds caused a crane to collapse into the The Tampa Bay Times in St Petersburg, while the roof of Tropicana Field baseball stadium has been left in disrepair.

More than 3.3m homes and businesses in Florida have been left powerless, with those in the west-central region the worst impacted.

Evacuation alerts were blasted out to millions, with Bradenton Police Chief Melanie issuing a bleak prognosis for those who neglected advice. “What we’ll probably be finding in the morning are bodies,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Thursday morning.

After landfall, Milton has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and is moving off Florida’s east coast – with residents still battling against brutal winds and storm surge.

Key Points

  • Five people killed by tornadoes in St Lucie County
  • Hurricane Milton’s damage: Tropicana Field roof shredded and crane smashes into Tampa Bay Times
  • More than 3m homes and businesses without power in Florida
  • Where did Milton make landfall?
  • Tracking Milton: Where is the Category 1 hurricane heading next?

Damage seen in City of Sarasota

21:35

Julia Musto

Supplies arrives in Seminole County

21:30

Julia Musto

St. Petersburg Mayor to hold press conference at 5 p.m. EDT

21:25

Julia Musto

Sarasota County government warns of mosquitoes

21:20

Julia Musto

DeSantis warns Floridians Atlantic hurricane season isn’t over

21:15

Julia Musto

“We’re not out of hurricane season yet. I don’t want to scare anybody, but the reality is [that] hurricane season goes through November,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday afternoon.

DeSantis said that there’s usually a diminished chance for a major hurricane later into October. October is the third-most-active month of the season for tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin, according to FOX Weather.

“It’s possible something could happen in the later part of October,” he said. “I’m not saying it’s likely but, it’s just - that is a possibility.”

The Atlantic season runs through November 30. Hurricane Milton was the Gulf’s strongest late-season storm on record, and the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Hurricane Rita in 2005.

AccuWeather preliminary estimates: Total damage and economic loss from Milton could be $160-$180B

21:07

Julia Musto

AccuWeather forecasters said Thursday that the company preliminarily estimates total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Milton could reach between $160-$180 billion.

“With Hurricane Milton’s total damage and economic losses of $160-180 billion, the sum of two hurricanes in just three weeks elapsed time has a total damage and economic loss of near 2 percent of the country’s GDP, putting the Federal Reserve in a quandary,” AccuWeather Founder Dr. Joel N. Myers said in a release.

Storm surge still expected along Florida’s east coast

20:53

Julia Musto

“Even though Hurricane Milton has exited the east coast of Florida, storm surge is still expected along the east coast,” Florida Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie said Thursday.

“Major flooding continues along Hillsborough, St. Johns, and the Little Wekiva Rivers. And, water levels are forecast to continue rising, not going down,” he said.

Residents in those areas should continue to shelter in place until officials determine it’s safe to go outside.

DeSantis: 340 people rescued across Florida

20:46

Julia Musto

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday, speaking in Sarasota, that 340 individuals and 49 pets have been rescued across Florida thus far.

Operations would continue throughout the day.

Dolphin pod attempts to escape choppy waters around Florida

20:45

Julia Musto

Lee County Sheriff warns intruders will be charged ‘to the fullest extent of the law'

20:40

Julia Musto

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives an update in Sarasota

20:38

Julia Musto

The death toll from Milton rises to 12

20:38

Julia Musto

Tampa police found a woman in her 70s underneath a tree branch Thursday morning.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to FOX 13 Tampa.

The station reported authorities said post-hurricane restoration efforts were being done on the property when the branch fell.

Here’s why Duke Energy says you may not see their crews as they work to restore power

20:35

Julia Musto

“Some customers may not see us as the equipment in need of repair that powers their home may be several blocks away,” Duke Energy said Thursday.

Nearly 70 percent of Tampa Electric customers are without power: CEO

20:30

Julia Musto

Tampa Electric CEO Archie Collins said Thursday that nearly 600,000 of the utility’s 850,000 customers remain without power on Thursday.

CNN reported that he believes the outage to be the largest in the company’s history.

See Tampa’s crane collapse up close

20:25

Julia Musto

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Disney World, Florida theme parks will reopen on Friday

20:20

Julia Musto

Walt Disney World said that its theme parks, Disney Springs, and other areas will reopen on Friday.

In Orlando, SeaWorld said it would also resume normal operating hours, although its Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream events were canceled.

“Our hearts are with all those impacted by Hurricane Milton,” SeaWorld Orlando said.

Universal Orlando will also open for its normal hours.

Orlando international Airport to receive domestic arrivals, departures begin Friday

20:15

Julia Musto

Tampa airport will reopen Friday morning

20:10

Julia Musto

Biden hammers Trump on hurricane misinformation: ‘Get a life’

20:08

Julia Musto

President Joe Biden told former President Trump, as Trump spoke Thursday afternoon in Detroit, to “get a life,” sharply rebuking the 2024 Republican presidential candidate for spreading misinformation related to FEMA and the government’s hurricane response.

“Mr. President Trump, former President Trump, get a life man, help these people,” he said.

Biden said that the public would hold Trump accountable.

Pentagon says military working to respond to Milton

20:05

Julia Musto

Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters Thursday that more than 6,500 members of the Florida National Guard have been activated. Furthermore, an additional 3,000 from 19 states are ready to offer support.

The Army Corps of Engineers has about 250 personnel working on temporary roof support, debris, and more.

Biden blasts Hurricane Milton misinformation

20:04

Julia Musto

“There are thousands of fellow Americans who are putting their lives at stake to do the dangerous work that needs to be done,” he said.

“And, it’s harmful to those that most need help.”

Oil spills from boats in Punta Gorda marina

20:02

Julia Musto

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Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds give $1M to hurricane relief fund

20:00

Julia Musto

Milton throws dumpster onto roof in Palm Beach Gardens

19:55

Julia Musto

Tampa Bay Rays feel ‘fortunate and grateful no one was hurt’ by ballpark damage

19:50

Julia Musto

At least 25 people rescued from St. Lucie County area

19:45

Julia Musto

Pictured: Panic spreads across Florida as Hurricane Milton moves into state delivering a devastating punch

19:40

Julia Musto

Dramatic pictures show the preparations, impact and immediate aftermath after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida Wednesday night.

Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm around 8.30pm in Sarasota County, Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. Over three million people are without power across the state and at least 10 deaths have been confirmed as the state starts to assess the damage. “This was an unprecedented storm with very high winds. The damage to the power system is more severe this time around,” St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch told NBC.

The Independent’s Michelle Del Rey has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-milton-damage-pictures-tampa-b2627272.html

Florida man uses plastic wrap to protect his prized Corvette ahead of Milton — turns out he didn’t need to

19:30

Julia Musto

A Florida man who went viral after wrapping his bright orange Corvette in plastic to protect it from Hurricane Milton ultimately needed none of his extensive preparations, as the storm left his home and beloved ride virtually untouched.

John Santos, of Palm Beach, bought the luxury vehicle in January of this year and carefully covered every inch of it this week, as Milton barrelled towards the Sunshine State on Wednesday.

A video of the preparations, posted to TikTok, has amassed over 63 million views. In it, Santos is seen meticulously covering his new Chevrolet Corvette in layers of what appears to be industrial quality plastic and film.

The Independent’s Mike Bedigan has more: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/hurricane-milton-car-video-corvette-plastic-b2627350.html

Fort Myers roads reopen - except for Dean Park

19:25

Julia Musto

Milton death toll reaches 11

19:22

Julia Musto

The storm-related death toll from Milton in Florida has reached 11, according to a count by NBC News.

The most recent confirmed death occurred when a tree fell on a vehicle in Citrus County, killing the driver, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Chicago Marathon allows Florida participants to defer entry to race

19:20

Julia Musto

The Chicago Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, October 13, is allowing participants from Florida to defer their entry to the 2025 race following Hurricane Milton.

“We’re closely monitoring the situation and how this very serious storm may impact participants from Florida,” the Chicago Marathon told Runner’s World in an e-mail. “We understand these participants may not be able to take part in this year’s race safely as they navigate the challenges ahead and focus on their own safety and well-being.”

Biden warns conditions in Florida still ‘very dangerous’ after Milton

19:19

Julia Musto

President Biden said Thursday afternoon that Hurricane Milton had brought 10-20 inches of rain the Tampa area and 38 tornadoes across 13 Florida counties.

However, the president said it’s still too soon to be able to fully understand the storm’s impact.

“There are still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden said. “People should wait to be given all clear by their leaders before they go out.”

The Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers are assessing how fast they can reopen the Port of Tampa.

“Vice President Harris and I have been in constant contact with the state and local officials,” the president said. “We’re offering everything they need.”

Nearly 1K flights canceled Thursday across Florida airports

19:15

Julia Musto

Nearly 1,000 flights were canceled Thursday at airports across Florida.

Orlando and Tampa International Airports both reported numbers in the hundreds, according to tracking service FlightAware.

There were more than 2,256 canceled flights into, within, or out of the US.

St. Lucie County Commissioner George Landry: ‘This has been a tragic 24 hours’

19:10

Julia Musto

“This has been a tragic 24 hours,” an emotional St. Lucie County Commissioner George Landry told reporters during a press conference early Thursday afternoon.

Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing in the county, which has confirmed five fatalities.

There were approximately 12 tornadoes reported there within a period of 90 minutes, leading to more than 900 calls to its 911 center.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System running full operations after Milton

19:05

Julia Musto

“We are completely full and at capacity, but we’re running full operations right now,” Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System CEO David Verinder told MSNBC on Thursday. There were 4,700 people at their two sites by Hurricane Milton hit on Wednesday night.

“Our 2 hospitals, North Port ER and Nursing & Rehab Center withstood the impact of the Category 3 hurricane and we were able to continue caring for roughly 1,000 patients and medical evacuees across the system,” the system said in a Thursday update. “We will be assessing our urgent cares, outpatient sites and medical offices as soon as we can to determine when they can re-open; updates to follow.”

Mayorkas condemns hate speech online: ‘It has got to stop'

19:00

Julia Musto

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday that the government is “seeing horrific hate speech of all types, propagated on online platforms” pertaining to people trying to help address the damage from Milton.

He said it’s been “a motivating force for people to do harm and it has got to stop.”

Mayorkas says continuing resolution not a ‘stable way’ to fund the federal government

18:55

Julia Musto

“A continuing resolution is not a stable way to fund the federal government,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday. “Needs change from year to year and we need real budgets upon which we can rely and upon which we can predicate responsible financial planning and financial management.”

“The Disaster Relief Fund and the funding of it should be completely nonpartisan and apolitical,” he added.

Mayorkas says officials working to ensure residents of states hit by hurricanes have access to voting

18:50

Julia Musto

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says officials are working to ensure residents in areas affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene have access to voting before the November 5 presidential election.

“We have seen state and local officials who are, of course, on point in ensuring access to voting. We have seen them take measures to ensure that people can, in fact, reach their polling places,” he told the White House press briefing.

“Some polling places have been damaged, for example, as a result of Hurricane Helene. But, they are pivoting to make sure that there are other facilities available to them. And, they’ll have different places at which they can place their votes.”

Milton Becomes a hurricane-force extratropical low pressure system

18:45

Julia Musto

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center remains closed

18:40

Julia Musto

Florida Highway Patrol out with chainsaws on Anna Maria Island

18:35

Julia Musto

More than 6,500 National Guard are supporting Milton response

18:30

Julia Musto

Mayorkas says FEMA has resources to response to immediate needs of Helene, Milton survivors

18:28

Julia Musto

“That being said, we will need additional funds,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday at the White House press briefing.

“And we implore Congress, when it returns, to in fact fund FEMA as it is needed.”

Milton saw at least 27 tornado touch downs

18:25

Julia Musto

At least 27 tornadoes touched down in Hurricane Milton, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the White House press briefing, joining virtually from North Carolina.

“Right now, search and rescue is our highest priority,” he said.

Mayorkas warned that the storm may have passed but its hazards had not.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office warns of river flooding

18:20

Julia Musto

Photos: Floridians wake up to damage from Hurricane Milton

18:14

Julia Musto

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Video: Topless Florida man jogs outside as Category 3 Hurricane Milton approaches

18:08

Julia Musto

A topless Florida man jogged outside in Tampa despite the imminent Category 3 Hurricane Milton on Wednesday.

The Independent’s Holly Patrick has more: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/florida-man-hurricane-milton-video-b2627271.html

DeSantis on hurricanes hitting Florida: ‘There’s nothing new under the sun'

18:03

Julia Musto

“I just think that people should put this in perspective,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said of Milton Thursday, as winds picked up. “They try to take different things that happened with tropical weather and act like it’s something.”

“There’s nothing new under the sun,” he said.

“There’s precedent for all this in history. Like, it is hurricane season. You are going to have tropical weather,” the governor told reporters.

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission help with Milton rescues

18:00

Julia Musto

What bridges are open around Tampa?

17:55

Julia Musto

Milton-related death toll rises to 10

17:54

Julia Musto

There have been at least 10 storm-related deaths in Florida following Hurricane Milton.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis five people had been killed in tornadoes in St. Lucie County, up from four deaths that were confirmed earlier this morning.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office rescues teenage boy

17:50

Julia Musto

National Guard cleans debris in Sarasota County

17:45

Julia Musto

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis says he spoke with Biden this morning

17:43

Julia Musto

“I spoke with the president this morning,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell was on the call with him in Tallahassee.

“I appreciate being able to collaborate across the federal, state, and local governments and work together to put the people first.”

Governor Ron DeSantis on need for fuel: ‘We’ve got to keep bringing fuel into this state'

17:40

Julia Musto

“I also think you’re probably going to see a lot of the stores and gas stations reopen fairly quickly -- at least that’s our hope,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said at a press briefing early Thursday afternoon.

“We’ve got to keep bringing fuel into this state,” he said.

Photos show rescuers working in Clearwater

17:39

Julia Musto

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Video shows boats left in Punta Gorda front yards

17:35

Julia Musto

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives an update

17:34

Julia Musto

Milton hits St. Pete apartment complex, downtown

17:32

Julia Musto

‘Temporary base camp’ at Tropicana Field baseball stadium to be relocated

17:30

Mike Bedigan

A temporary camp for first responders that was intended to be set up at the Tropicana Field baseball stadium has had to be relocated, following damage to the stadium’s roof.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had said earlier in the week that there were plans for the ballpark – home to the Tampa Bay Rays – to serve as a “temporary base camp” to support debris cleanup operations and temporarily house some first responders. But those plans were changed as the storm neared, amid concerns that the roof simply would not survive Milton's wrath.

“They were relocated,” DeSantis said at a Thursday morning news conference. “Tropicana Field is a routine staging area for these things. The roof on that ... I think it's rated for 110 mph and so the forecast changes, but as it became clear that there was going to be something of that magnitude that was going to be within the distance, they redeployed them out of Tropicana. There were no state assets that were inside Tropicana Field.”

He added that no injuries at the stadium were reported.

The Rays said no official determination about damage inside the facility would be made until officials say conditions are safe to venture into the area. There also was no immediate word on how long the roof replacement may take, or if the team will make alternate arrangements for the 2025 season.

DeSantis says Harris has ‘no role’ in Hurricane Milton preparation process

17:27

Julia Musto

“The fact of the matter is they put out a story saying I didn’t take [her calls]. I didn’t even know she was trying to reach me, but she has no role in this process,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told CNBC on Thursday morning.

“And I’ve been dealing with these storms in Florida under both Trump and Biden. Neither of them ever politicized it. And, in fact, all the storms I’ve dealt with under this administration, although I’ve worked well with the president, [Harris] has never called in Florida. She has never offered any support,” he continued.

“So what she’s doing is she’s trying to inject herself into this because of her political campaign. So as the governor here who’s leading this, I don’t have time for those games. I don’t care about her campai

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