Hurricane Milton Hits Florida: Live Updates

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Hurricane Milton makes landfall on Florida's Gulf coast, storm surge warnings in effect

NBC News

Oct 10, 2024

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News & Politics

Hurricane Milton causes severe damage in Florida

  1. Hurricane Milton, a Category 4 storm, has made landfall over Siesta Key, Florida, creating an emergency situation. The mayor has advised those who haven't evacuated to shelter in place immediately due to the dangerous conditions.
  2. The hurricane is producing winds up to 120 miles per hour, leading to widespread power outages affecting nearly 800,000 people. Storm surge warnings are in effect along the coast, with potential water rises up to 15 feet expected tonight.
  3. In addition to the hurricane, a record number of tornadoes have been reported across central Florida, causing further destruction. Over 100 tornado warnings were issued today, with reports of roofs being torn apart and injuries occurring.
  4. The eye wall of the hurricane, known for its destructive potential, is causing significant wind damage and heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to continue moving north and east over the next 12 hours, affecting areas like Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Tampa.
  5. Storm surge is particularly severe south of Venice, with conditions worsening over the next few hours. The National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings for several areas, indicating the presence of torrential rainfall and aggressive storm activity.
  6. The hurricane's impact is expected to result in more power outages and damage as it progresses. The situation remains critical, with emergency services on high alert to respond to the ongoing crisis.

Hurricane Milton causes severe weather in Florida

  1. Hurricane Milton has made landfall on Florida's Gulf coast, bringing significant wind damage to areas such as Bloomingdale, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater. The storm is expected to move across the state and exit into the Atlantic by Thursday afternoon, maintaining its strength as a Category One hurricane.
  2. The storm is accompanied by heavy rains and a storm surge exceeding four feet in some areas, notably Fort Myers. Although these conditions are severe, they are not as extreme as those experienced during Hurricane Ian. The lack of gauges in certain areas means that the full extent of the storm surge will only be visible in daylight.
  3. In Tampa Bay, a reverse storm surge is occurring, with water rushing out of the bay. This phenomenon is expected to continue for several hours, alongside other impacts of the storm that will affect the region over the next 12 hours.
  4. Reporter Stephanie Gass, on the ground in Tampa Bay, describes the situation as involving ferocious winds and torrential rain. The area is experiencing strong gusts and could receive two to three inches of rain per hour for the next few hours, adding to the already saturated ground from a previous storm.

Tampa braces for Hurricane Milton impact

  1. The report begins with a description of the intense wind conditions caused by Hurricane Milton, highlighting the precautions taken by reporters to ensure safety. They are positioned in a cement parking garage, surrounded by walls, to avoid being toppled by the wind.
  2. Tampa, Florida, has not experienced a direct hurricane hit in nearly a century, although the region frequently faces hurricane threats. Residents are accustomed to preparing for such events as part of their lifestyle.
  3. Tampa General Hospital has implemented extensive measures to remain operational during the hurricane. These include flood walls to protect against a 12-foot storm surge, an independent power plant, and relocating patients and staff to safety. The hospital is well-stocked with food to endure the storm.
  4. The report mentions the recent impact of Hurricane Helene, followed by Hurricane Milton, marking an unusual sequence of storms for Tampa. This situation presents a significant challenge for the city, which has not faced such a scenario in a long time.
  5. The calmness of the hurricane's eye is described, which can deceptively draw people out into dangerous conditions. Reckless behavior, such as driving through flooded areas, is noted as a concern, especially with the strongest part of the storm approaching.

Hurricane Milton's impact and public response

  1. Hurricane Milton has made landfall on Florida's Gulf coast, causing significant concern due to the potential for a storm surge ranging from 8 to 12 feet. This surge is expected to be driven by hurricane-force winds pushing water ahead of the storm.
  2. Power outages are already occurring in the area, as evidenced by the loss of power behind the reporter. The storm's eye is currently passing over, providing a temporary calm before the winds pick up again.
  3. The reporter, along with an experienced storm chaser, has been monitoring the conditions for about 45 minutes, noting the calmness within the eye of the hurricane. This calm is deceptive, as it precedes the return of destructive winds.
  4. Despite warnings and the presence of an evacuation zone, some people are venturing outside during the eye of the storm. This includes individuals in pick-up trucks and Wranglers, who are engaging in risky behavior such as doing donuts and revving engines.
  5. The police have stated they will not respond until after the storm, leaving those who choose to be outside without immediate assistance. This has led to a mix of compliance and non-compliance with evacuation orders.
  6. The calm within the eye of the storm is described as almost beautiful, contrasting sharply with the destructive nature expected to follow. The reporter anticipates experiencing the storm's destructive backside within the next hour or two.
  7. While many people initially evacuated, the temporary calm has led some to return or venture out, mistakenly perceiving it as safe. The reporter notes that their hotel, located in an evacuation zone, is still housing guests, some of whom may feel secure due to the building's height.

Severe flooding and tornadoes in Florida

  1. Hurricane Milton has made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, causing significant concern for storm surges and flooding, particularly in Sarasota. The water is rising rapidly, and serious flooding is expected in the next four to five hours.
  2. The storm surge, initially a major concern for areas north of Sarasota, has shifted south, increasing the risk of flooding in Sarasota. The situation is dynamic, with water levels rising quickly, posing a threat to the area.
  3. There have been numerous reports of tornadoes across central and southern Florida, with significant damage observed in St. Lucie County. A sheriff's building, approximately 10,000 square feet, was destroyed by a tornado, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  4. Traffic cameras in Fort Pierce, Florida, captured dramatic footage of debris flying and a visible funnel cloud, indicating the presence of tornadoes. There are reports of injuries in some areas due to these tornadoes.
  5. While some tornado watches expired at 9:00 PM, reducing the immediate threat, the combination of tornadoes and the hurricane has created a terrifying and potentially deadly situation for residents.
  6. In Sarasota, the eye of the hurricane brought a temporary calm, but the storm surge began shortly after, with water levels rising rapidly and pushing debris. The suburbs are also at risk, with debris piles posing additional hazards.
  7. In Orlando, winds are starting to pick up, indicating that the effects of Hurricane Milton are widespread across Florida, affecting multiple regions with varying degrees of severity.

Hurricane Milton threatens severe flooding

  1. Residents are advised to seek shelter immediately as Hurricane Milton approaches, with expectations of severe weather conditions. The storm is predicted to bring up to 14 inches of rain, potentially causing catastrophic flooding.
  2. A woman who previously lost everything during Hurricane Helene has relocated to Orlando, expressing feelings of numbness and uncertainty about the impending storm. She is sheltering with her family and is continuously praying for safety.
  3. Sandra Tafumane, the emergency manager for Sarasota, reports that the eye of the hurricane is passing over Sarasota, bringing temporary calm. However, they anticipate conditions to worsen as the storm progresses.
  4. Flooding has already begun in areas like Phillipe Creek, with storm surges expected to reach multiple feet. There is concern that surges could reach up to 12 feet, surpassing the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene's 5 to 6 feet surges.
  5. Power outages are occurring, with reports of transformers being affected. The situation is expected to deteriorate further as the storm continues.

Hurricane Milton causes power outages

  1. Hurricane Milton has made landfall on Florida's Gulf coast, bringing with it high winds and storm surge warnings. The storm is causing significant disruptions in the area.
  2. Reports indicate that various parts of the county are experiencing power outages due to the hurricane. The high winds, reaching up to 120 miles per hour, are a major factor in these outages.
  3. Currently, approximately 160,000 people are without power, and this number is expected to rise as the storm continues to impact the region.
  4. Local officials are working to assess the full extent of the power outages and are in communication with power companies to get an accurate count of those affected.
  5. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are underway to restore power and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.