TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Milton tore across Florida’s Panhandle on Thursday, carving a path of destruction from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic. The powerful storm knocked out power to millions, flooded neighborhoods, destroyed homes, ripped the roof off a major sports venue, and toppled a crane into an office building.
In downtown Tampa early Thursday, fierce winds tore down traffic lights, ripped signs from the ground, and sent construction barricades skidding across the wet streets. Milton’s winds also tore off plywood from buildings and caused a brick facade to collapse, partially blocking a road.
While Tampa Bay was spared from a massive storm surge, it experienced a reverse surge, driving water away from the shoreline. The Florida Division of Emergency Management warned residents not to walk into the receding waters, cautioning that “the water WILL return through storm surge and poses a life-threatening risk.”
Milton made landfall late Wednesday on Florida’s west coast as a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph winds. It triggered multiple tornadoes as it moved across the state. By early Thursday, the storm had exited near Cape Canaveral as a Category 1 hurricane, still packing 85 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
At least two fatalities were reported at a retirement community in Fort Pierce, believed to be caused by a tornado on the state’s east coast. By Thursday morning, more than 3.2 million homes and businesses were without power, according to USA TODAY power outage data.
A flash flood emergency was declared for Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, after some areas were hit with more than 16 inches of rain.
Where did Hurricane Milton make landfall?
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, a barrier island near Sarasota, about 50 miles south of Tampa, around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. With 120 mph winds at landfall, the storm battered the area before continuing its path northeast through the Panhandle and exiting near Cape Canaveral.
Crane collapse in downtown St. Petersburg
Late Wednesday, a crane collapsed at a construction site in downtown St. Petersburg, damaging an office building that houses several businesses, including the Tampa Bay Times. No injuries were immediately reported.
“We can confirm one crane cab in the upper section of the mast has fallen,” said John Catsimatidis, CEO of Red Apple Group, which is developing the nearby skyscraper. The public was urged to avoid the area while officials assessed the damage.
Tropicana Field sustains damage
Milton’s destructive winds also damaged the roof of Tropicana Field, the home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays, in St. Petersburg. The stadium, which had been repurposed as a base for emergency responders, suffered roof damage as high winds tore through the area. Photos and videos on social media showed portions of the roof ripped off.
Tornadoes wreak havoc in southwest Florida
Several tornadoes were reported in southwest Florida on Wednesday, including in Collier County and Lee County, causing widespread damage across Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Residents in North Fort Myers described the terrifying moment when a tornado swept through their community, damaging homes and leaving behind destruction.
Fuel demand and oil prices rise
In the wake of Milton, fuel demand surged in Florida, with about a quarter of the state’s gas stations running out of fuel. This, combined with concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East, caused oil prices to rise on Thursday.
Taylor Swift donates $5 million to hurricane relief
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has donated $5 million to hurricane relief efforts for victims of both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, according to the nonprofit organization Feeding America. Swift’s contribution is expected to provide significant assistance to the recovery efforts.
First responders halted during peak of storm
As Hurricane Milton roared through Florida, high winds and tornado activity forced first responders to stay off the roads, leaving people without immediate rescue during the height of the storm. Authorities had warned residents that while 911 services remained operational, help would not arrive until the storm had passed.
Venice Mayor Nick Pachota, a veteran first responder, emphasized the challenges they faced: “None of us want to sit on our thumbs not being able to do what we want to do,” he said. “But unfortunately, if one of us gets hurt, there’s no one to rescue the rescuer.”
Looking ahead: Milton moves out of Florida
As of early Thursday, the storm was moving away from Florida and north of the Bahamas. The NHC is monitoring its progress as it continues northeastward, though its impacts on Florida will be felt for days to come as the state begins the recovery process.
Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene struck the Florida coast, causing widespread destruction across several states. Floridians, still recovering from the effects of Helene, are now facing the aftermath of another powerful storm.