Milton full coverage: Hurricane downgraded to post-tropical cyclone, with at least 10 people killed, 3 million left without power in its destructive path

The National Hurricane Center continues to warn about "life-threatening storm surge."

At least 10 people were killed in Florida as tornadoes from Hurricane Milton ripped through the state, officials said on Thursday.

More than 3 million homes and businesses in Florida were without power after the storm, Milton was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone on Thursday. It made landfall late Wednesday as an "extremely dangerous" Category 3 storm near Siesta Key.

The roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was ripped off by severe winds.

Milton is currently moving northeast off Florida's coast and continues to pack 75 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said in its 4 p.m. ET update.

"There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia," meteorologists said.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER172 updates
  • 2 Florida tornado victims identified

    Two Floridians killed Wednesday afternoon when a tornado hit Fort Pierce were identified by a relative, the New York Times reported.

    They are Alejandro Alonso, 66, and Mary Grace Viramontez, 70.

    The pair had been dating and were killed when a tornado spawned by the arrival of Hurricane Milton ripped through the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, according to Victor Linero, Alonso's grandson.

  • EPA shares tips on safely returning to a flooded home

    The Environmental Protection Agency shared tips Thursday on returning safely to a home if it was flooded during Hurricane Milton.

    The agency's website has a list of suggestions for entering and cleaning up a mess left behind in a flood. Under an entry titled "Before You Enter," for instance, the EPA offers the following guidance: "Look for things like roofs that sag in the middle or at the ends, walls that are not straight, missing support columns, new cracks in the exterior, or leaning of basement walls, crawlspaces, or piers. If you see any of these, assume the building is unsafe. Don't climb or go into the building until it has been verified by a qualified professional as safe to enter."

    Read more from the EPA.

  • House Speaker Johnson says it is 'premature' to call Congress back to pass further disaster relief

    House Speaker Mike Johnson rebuffed President Biden's suggestion that Congress be called back into session to pass further authorization for disaster relief spending, saying doing so would be "premature."

    "They have tens of billions of dollars sitting in FEMA," Johnson told NBC News on Thursday. "That's what's needed right now in the states that are affected."

    Johnson added, "It's going to take them a number of weeks to ... assess the damage levels. When they get the numbers ... Congress will act immediately."

    Earlier in the day, Biden was asked whether Congress should come back early from its recess to pass more disaster funding.

    "I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can, particularly on the most immediate need, which is small business," Biden said.

  • Here's how to help victims of Hurricane Milton

    In the wake of Hurricane Milton's path, millions are without power, homes, vehicles and infrastructure. It all comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene's destruction at the end of September. While federal and state agencies are working to help local communities across Florida, here are some ways to help those in need:

    • National support includes donating to the American Red Cross, which supports shelters for people who have evacuated their homes. If you are able, you can also make an appointment to donate blood via the Red Cross website.

    • The Florida Disaster Fund distributes money to service organizations that help with recovery and disaster response throughout the state.

    • The Federal Trade Commission also has some helpful tips on how to spot scammers who pose as charities accepting donations.

    Read more from NBC News about other ways to help.

  • Coast Guard rescues man 'clinging to cooler' off Florida coast

    The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday said a helicopter crew "rescued a man clinging to a cooler" in the Gulf of Mexico, around 30 miles out from Longboat Key, Fla.

  • Photos show heartbreaking Florida tornado damage

    Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said during Thursday's White House briefing that 27 tornadoes touched down in Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton, which is believed to be the cause of 10 deaths thus far. The tornadoes that sprang from the storm also wreaked havoc in areas like Fort Myers and Wellington.

    A drone view shows a house destroyed by a tornado as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers, Fla.
    A drone view of a house destroyed by a tornado as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers on Oct. 9. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters)
    A woman in her roofless kitchen after a tornado stuck North Fort Myers, Fla., on Oct. 10.
    Tornado damage associated with a tornado in North Fort Myers, on Oct. 10. (Andrew West/The News-Press/USA Today Network via Reuters)
    A woman in shorts holds her head and reacts to the damage to her home in Wellington, Fla., on Oct. 9.
    Marie Cook reacts to the damage to her home in the Binks Estates community in Wellington, Fla., on Oct. 9. (Bill Ingram/Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network via Reuters)
    An aerial view shows destruction at the Spanish Lakes country club in Fort Pierce, Fla.
    Destruction at the Spanish Lakes country club in Fort Pierce, on Oct 10. (John Falchetto/AFP via Getty Images)
    A woman on a tricycle cries after seeing the damage caused by a passing tornado as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers, on Oct. 9.
    A tricyclist became emotional after seeing damage caused by a passing tornado as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers on Oct. 9. (Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters)
  • At least 340 people rescued across Florida, DeSantis says

    At least 340 people and 49 pets have been rescued in the wake of Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a press briefing on Thursday afternoon.

    "Hundreds of rescuers" were working on over 120 search and-rescue missions across 26 of Florida's 67 counties, DeSantis added.

    Of the more than 3 million homes and businesses currently without power, DeSantis said that 880,000 utility customers have had their power restored by linemen working around the clock.

  • Tampa Bay Lightning's home opener postponed in Milton's wake

    The Tampa Bay Lightning's home opener against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday has been postponed due to Hurricane Milton's effects on the Tampa area, the NHL announced Thursday. A makeup date will be announced at a later time.

    Milton had already forced the Lightning to evacuate to Raleigh, N.C., ahead of Friday's season opener against the Hurricanes. And as Yahoo Sports notes, a number of Lightning "experienced property damage after Hurricane Helene affected the area."

  • What's the status of Florida's major airports?

    Hurricane Milton forced the closure of several Florida airports and caused thousands of flight cancellations. Here's the latest on when they'll reopen:

    Orlando International Airport: Departures will begin again on Friday, Oct. 11, with a few domestic flight arrivals Thursday night. "Please don't come to the airport for a departing flight tonight," the airport said in an X post.

    Palm Beach International Airport: It has reopened as of 1 p.m. ET Thursday. The airport advises travelers to check with the airline before coming to the airport.

    Southwest Florida International Airport: It remains closed on Thursday and is expected to resume operations on Friday, Oct. 11, according to its website.

    Tampa International Airport: It remains closed on Thursday. It will reopen at 8 a.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 11, according to the airport's post on X.

    Miami International Airport: It is open on Thursday, but flights have been affected by the storm. The airport advises travelers to confirm the status of their flight with the airline.

  • Biden to Trump: 'Get a life, man. Help these people.'

    Biden gives an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Milton at the White House on Thursday. (Susan Walsh/AP)
    Biden gives an update on the ongoing response to Hurricane Milton at the White House on Thursday. (Susan Walsh/AP)

    At the end of his remarks on the administration's hurricane response, President Biden was asked by a reporter whether he had spoken to former President Donald Trump, who has amplified the false claim that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has diverted disaster relief funds to house migrants in the United States.

    "Are you kidding me?" Biden said before turning to the camera and appearing to address Trump directly. "President Trump — former President Trump: Get a life, man. Help these people."

    As Biden walked away, he was asked if he planned to speak to Trump.

    "No," he said.

  • Biden says Congress should move 'as rapidly as they can' for Small Business Association funding

    President Biden gave an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on Thursday and was asked by a reporter how much time Congress has before FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and SBA (Small Business Administration) funding runs out.

    Biden focused on the funding needs of SBA, which FEMA partners with. According to the FEMA website, the SBA "offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in a declared major disaster area. You don’t need to own a business to apply for SBA assistance."

    Biden said that while FEMA "has its needs," the SBA funding is "right at the edge right now."

    When asked directly if he thinks Congress should come back early, Biden replied, "I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can, particularly on the most immediate need, which is small business."

    Biden added that he has not spoken to House Speaker Mike Johnson about calling Congress back into session before the election.

  • Photos: Homes destroyed by Milton

    With cleanup and restoration efforts already underway across Florida, photos and videos of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Milton continue to emerge.

    These images show toppled homes in several beach communities on Florida's west coast where Milton came ashore.

    A home upended and destroyed by Hurricane Milton is seen in St. Pete Beach, Fla.
    A home destroyed by Hurricane Milton in St. Pete Beach, Fla., on Thursday. (Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
    Houses that sustained damage from Hurricane Milton are seen in Matlacha, Fla. One house has a sagging balcony.
    Houses that sustained damage from Hurricane Milton in Matlacha, Fla., Thursday. (Marta Lavandier/AP)
    A house lies toppled after the passage of Hurricane Milton in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla.
    A house lies toppled after the passage of Hurricane Milton in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, Fla., Thursday. (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
    Destroyed homes seen in St. Pete Beach, Fla.
    Destroyed homes in St. Pete Beach on Thursday. (Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
  • Milton is now a 'post-tropical cyclone,' NHC says

    In its 2 p.m. ET advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is now a post-tropical cyclone as it continues to move away from Florida's east coast.

    The storm, with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, is about 200 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral.

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Tropical storm conditions continue for portions of the Southeastern U.S. coastline, the hurricane center said, and a storm surge warning remains in effect from the Flagler-Volusia County line in Florida to Altamaha Sound, Ga., including the St. Johns River.

    NOAA
    NOAA
  • Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas: 'We have 10 confirmed fatalities'

    White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre turns to the screen to introduce Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
    White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre turns to the screen to introduce Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Thursday. (Susan Walsh/AP)

    Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said during Thursday's White House press briefing that Hurricane Milton's arrival in Florida had resulted in at least 10 deaths.

    "We have 10 confirmed fatalities, our understanding is that those fatalities were caused by the tornadoes," Mayorkas said. "But I just want to introduce a little bit of tentativeness to that because of the fluidity of the situation and how nascent it is. It is our job to make sure that that number doesn't climb through valiant search and rescue efforts, but we are dealing in the immediate aftermath of a terrible hurricane and many, many tornadoes ancillary to it."

  • Biden convenes Situation Room meeting on federal hurricane response

    President Biden, facing a storm map and joined virtually by Vice President Kamala Harris and others, listens to a briefing about preparations for Hurricane Milton.
    President Biden holds a meeting with members of his administration on Wednesday. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

    President Biden is holding a Situation Room meeting Thursday with Vice President Kamala Harris and various members of the administration about the federal response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to a statement from the White House press office.

    The president and his administration are discussing the "role that the Department of Defense and Coast Guard are playing in support of FEMA’s mission," the statement read. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Charles Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are among the participants.

    Biden is scheduled to speak about Milton from the White House later Tuesday afternoon.

    Earlier, Biden spoke with numerous Florida officials, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, about helping the state's recovery efforts.

  • Disney prepares to reopen Florida theme parks on Friday

    Guests at the Magic Kingdom break out ponchos at Cinderella Castle.
    Walt Disney World. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

    Walt Disney World indicated on its website Thursday afternoon that it is preparing to reopen its Florida theme parks and the Disney Springs shopping district on Friday, Oct. 11.

    Its theme parks, Disney Springs and parking garages remain closed on Thursday.

  • Palm Beach International Airport reopens; travelers advised to check with airlines

    Palm Beach International Airport announced that as of 1 p.m. ET it had reopened, but also noted that some flights had been canceled and advised travelers to check with their airline before heading to the airport.

  • DeSantis says there are currently about 3.4 million power outages across the state

    A half dozen cars with brake lights illuminated on a road below fallen power lines.
    Cars move slowly after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines, Thursday, in Matlacha, Fla. (Marta Lavandier/AP)

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a Thursday news conference that the state has had "massive power outages, which was expected." He said there are currently about 3.4 million homes and businesses without power, while power has been restored to 700,000 customers since the start of the storm. He likened the number of outages to Hurricanes Ian and Irma.

    "Just do the math, over 4 million have lost power since the start of the storm," DeSantis said.

  • Gov. DeSantis confirms 5 deaths as a result of Hurricane Milton

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced at a news conference in Fort Pierce Thursday that five deaths, all in St. Lucie County, have been confirmed as a result of Hurricane Milton.

  • Drone video shows Tampa highway with major flooding

    After Hurricane Milton brought storm surges and torrential rain, roadways in the Tampa area are flooded, leaving them impassable to motorists.

    Drone video captured by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday shows the floodwater damage

    (@HCSOSheriff via Storyful)

  • Water rescues continue in Milton's wake

    Search and rescue efforts continued in Florida Thursday morning after Hurricane Milton tore across the state.

    In Pasco County, just north of Tampa, officials said 22 people have been rescued from floodwaters so far.

    In Hillsborough County, the sheriff's office posted video of first responders rescuing a 14-year-old boy who was "submerged in floodwaters and floating on debris."

    At a press conference earlier Thursday, state officials said at least 40 rescues were conducted overnight.

  • How to stay safe while using a portable generator after the storm

    Now that Hurricane Milton has passed, the National Hurricane Center listed some safety tips to follow regarding generator safety and downed power lines.

    • Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, which can kill someone within minutes

    • You should only use a portable generator when outside, away from openings to your home

    • Your house should have a working CO detector that's battery-operated

  • At least 5 tornadoes confirmed from Milton: NWS

    Hurricane Milton spawned dozens of reported tornadoes before making landfall in Florida.

    In what it called a "very preliminary overview," the National Weather Service said early Thursday that it has been able to confirm five tornadoes through "photographic or video evidence."

    The weather service had issued dozens of tornado warnings and watches across south Florida ahead of the storm.

  • Tampa International Airport still closed, hopes to announce reopening plans later Thursday

    Tampa International Airport remained closed to the public on Thursday morning, but officials hope to announce plans to reopen later Thursday.

    According to FlightAware.com, 460 flights in and out of Tampa International were canceled as of Thursday morning

  • Scenes from Milton's destruction

    After Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida's Gulf Coast Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, it brought a new wave of destruction to an area reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in late September. As daylight came Thursday, the aftermath revealed Milton's destruction from tornadoes, high winds and storm surge. Here's a look at the some of the devastation:

    Overheard view of damage to a home after a tornado ripped through the Preserve development in Wellington.
    Damage to a home Thursday after a tornado ripped through the Preserve development in Wellington, Fla. (Greg Lovett/Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network via Reuters)
    A view shows a collapsed construction crane that fell on the building that also hosts the offices of the Tampa Bay Times, in downtown St. Petersburg.
    A collapsed construction crane fell on the building that's also home to the offices of the Tampa Bay Times Thursday in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. (Octavio Jones/Reuters)
    In this aerial view, a boat is washed ashore from when Hurricane Milton passed through in Punta Gorda.
    A boat washed ashore by Hurricane Milton in Punta Gorda, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
    A woman looks on from her second-story balcony as residents of an apartment complex are rescued n Clearwater.
    An apartment complex in Clearwater, Fla. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Biden and DeSantis spoke this morning after Milton made landfall in Florida

    President Biden spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Thursday morning and "reiterated that he will provide any support the state needs to speed response and recovery," according to the White House press office.

    The White House said DeSantis thanked Biden for the federal support and will survey the impacts of Hurricane Milton with FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell. Criswell plans to brief the president afterward.

  • Pinellas County lifts shelter-in-place order

    Officials in Pinellas County have lifted the shelter-in-place order they issued earlier in the day but are still urging residents to stay home if possible and exercise extreme caution if they choose to drive.

    "Large number of traffic signals are inoperable due to widespread power outages in Pinellas County," the sheriff's office wrote in a post on X. "Please remember to treat intersections with non-functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop. Watch for workers clearing debris."

  • Biden urges people impacted by Milton to 'stay inside and off the roads'

    President Biden is urging people in areas of Florida affected by Milton to "stay inside and off the roads" while rescue and recovery efforts are underway, echoing similar messages from state and local officials.

  • Construction crane collapses in downtown St. Petersburg

    A crane collapsed into a building in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., during Milton. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images)
    A crane collapsed into a building in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., during Milton. (Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images)

    A construction crane fell in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night as Hurricane Milton made landfall, causing extensive damage to a downtown office building that houses multiple companies, including the Tampa Bay Times.

    No injuries were reported, according to the paper.

    According to Fox 13 in Tampa Bay, the crane "fell off of a building that has been under construction for about two years and would be the tallest building in St. Petersburg."

    Earlier this week, St. Petersburg officials said that the city was concerned about the cranes but that it would take specialized crews too long to remove them before the storm made landfall.

  • DeSantis: 'Thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario'

    At a press conference in Tallahassee early Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said search and rescue operations and damage assessments are occurring across the state in Milton's wake.

    "What we can say is the storm was significant, but thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario,” he said.

    But the governor also urged residents to be cautious as they begin the process of cleaning up.

    "We have post-storm fatalities almost every storm, and a lot of these fatalities are avoidable," DeSantis said.

  • Hurricane Milton destroys roof of Tropicana Field

    An aerial view of Tropicana Field's shredded roof in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla.
    An aerial view of Tropicana Field's shredded roof in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., in the wake of Hurricane Milton early Thursday. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

    Hurricane Milton tore much of the roof off of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla., shortly after the storm made landfall on Wednesday night.

    Videos and photos posted to social media showed large portions of the roof flapping in the wind and then being torn away.

    The stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was being used as a staging area for first responders. No injuries were reported.

    According to the team's media guide, the roof is made of "translucent, Teflon-coated fiberglass" and "supports itself with 180 miles of cables connected by struts."

    "It is built to withstand winds of up to 115 miles per hour," the media guide says. According to the National Weather Service, peak winds of 101 mph were observed in St. Petersburg on Wednesday night.

    Read more from Yahoo Sports: Roof at Rays' Tropicana Field ripped off as storm makes landfall

  • More than 3.3 million without power in Florida

    The number of homes and businesses without power in Florida surpassed 3.3 million on Thursday morning.

    During a press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that since Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday, more than 600,000 outages have been restored.

    DeSantis noted that the counties of Hillsborough, Hardy, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota saw "significant" outages. He also said that more than 50,000 linemen are ready to restore power in Florida.

  • At least 4 people killed in St. Lucie County, local officials say

    At least four people were killed by tornadoes in St. Lucie County, Fla., on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said in a statement, according to the Associated Press.

    Sheriff's officials in St. Lucie County previously said "multiple fatalities" were reported at the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a senior community in Fort Pierce, after tornadoes touched down in the area.

  • Storm surge warning discontinued for Florida's west coast but remains in effect for east coast

    The National Hurricane Center said early Thursday that the storm surge warning for Florida's west coast has been discontinued but that it remains in effect for much of Florida's east coast and part of southern coastal Georgia.

    Up to 5 feet of storm surge is possible from Sebastian Inlet, Fla., to Altamaha Sound, Ga., and up to 4 feet along the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, the hurricane center said.

    A map illustrating the storm surge warnings still in effect along Florida's east coast.
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • Hurricane Milton moving away from Florida's east coast: NHC

    The National Hurricane Center said that as of 8 a.m. ET, the center of Hurricane Milton was "pulling away from the east coast of Florida."

    Forecasters wrote in the latest advisory that "strong gusty winds and heavy rainfall" were still unfolding in the area, however, as Milton was still packing 85 mph winds around 75 miles east-northeast of Cape Canaveral.

    "Gradual weakening is expected, but Milton is forecast to become a powerful extratropical low tonight," according to the bulletin.

  • More than 2,200 flights canceled today

    More than 2,200 flights have been canceled because of Hurricane Milton as of Thursday morning, according to FlightAware.com.

    At Orlando International Airport, 92% of the flights were canceled, and at Tampa International and Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers, 90% and 96% of the flights, respectively, were canceled.

  • Photos show flooded streets, storm debris after Hurricane Milton passes through

    Scattered tree branches on an empty street.
    Storm debris is seen in Sarasota, Fla. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
    A street in Fort Myers is completely flooded by surge waters.
    Surge waters flooded the streets in Fort Myers, Fla. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
    A vehicle near a gas station is stranded in floodwaters.
    A vehicle is stranded in floodwaters in Brandon, Fla. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP via Getty Images)
    Displaced boats at Marina Jack in Sarasota, Fla.
    Displaced boats at Marina Jack in Sarasota, Fla. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
    People standing on higher ground at an apartment building watch as surge waters flood a street.
    People look out at surge waters flooding a street in Fort Myers, Fla., after Hurricane Milton made landfall. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
    A man walks through surge waters flooding a street.
    Brandon Marlow walks through surge waters flooding a street in Fort Myers, Fla., on Wednesday night. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
  • Crane collapses in St. Petersburg

    A construction crane collapsed in downtown St. Petersburg on Wednesday night as Hurricane Milton tore through the area. Video shows the crane down on the street, surrounded by debris. According to local Fox affiliate WTVT, city officials said no one was injured in the collapse.

  • Tampa mayor: 'It's not over'

    The mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor, told reporters on Thursday morning that even though Hurricane Milton is moving away from Florida, "it's not over."

    Castor said that while it's "pretty calm out there right now," the city has still seen "extensive damage." Once the sun comes out, she said, utility workers will start working to get power restored for Hillsborough County, which has reported more than half a million customer outages.

    “At 7:00 this morning, when high tide comes in, rivers are going to flood all over Hillsborough County, not just in the city of Tampa," the mayor said. She pleaded with residents to "please stay inside" while officials assess the damage and "make sure it's safe for you to go back out into your community."

  • Multiple fatalities reported in St. Lucie County after tornadoes touch down, sheriff says

    St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson said that "multiple fatalities" were reported at the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a senior community in Fort Pierce, after tornadoes touched down in the area on Wednesday, WPTV reported.

    Pearson also said, according to WPEC, that a facility within the sheriff's headquarters was destroyed by what he described as a "devastating tornado."

    A video shared on the St. Lucie County Facebook page on Thursday appeared to show a tornado passing through a parking lot. "While Hurricane Milton has left our area, St. Lucie County experienced significant damage from multiple tornados that impacted our area," the post read. "First responders and public works/utility crews are conducting [recovery] efforts."

  • Pinellas County residents ordered to stay off roads

    Even though the storm has passed, residents in Pinellas County, Fla., woke up to an emergency alert on their phones ordering them to shelter in place to allow first responders to complete rescue and recovery efforts.

    "Many roads impassable due to downed power lines, fallen trees, debris," the alert said. "YOU MUST STAY OFF THE ROADS until advised otherwise by county officials."

    St. Petersburg, located in Pinellas County, saw over 17 inches of rain after Milton made landfall Wednesday night, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood emergency. Local news outlet WTSP described the rain as a "1-in-500-year flooding event" for the city.

  • Milton is moving off Florida's east coast

    In its 5 a.m. ET advisory, the National Hurricane Center said Milton is moving off Florida's east coast but "still producing damaging hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall" in the east-central part of the state.

    Milton, now a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, is about 10 miles northeast of Cape Canaveral and is moving northeast at 18 mph.

    The storm is expected to move away from Florida and north of the Bahamas.

    And there is a sliver of good news for those along the Gulf Coast: "All Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been discontinued for the west coast of Florida," the advisory said.

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  • More than 3 million without power in Florida

    As of 6:15 a.m. ET, more than 3.2 million utility customers were without power in Florida, according to PowerOutage.us.

    Archie Collins, the president and CEO of Tampa Electric, told CNN on Thursday morning, "We have an unprecedented number of our customers who are without power."

    He noted the fact that the eyewall of Hurricane Milton traveled through Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, and called it "a game changer."

    PowerOutage.us
    PowerOutage.us
  • Florida Highway Patrol rescues dog tied to a fence

    Florida Highway Patrol officers came to the rescue of a dog that was tied to a fence in Tampa.

    "Do NOT do this to your pets please," the agency said in a post on X.

    The dog was doing well after he was rescued, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

  • How Hurricane Milton has impacted Florida so far

    SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 9: Wind and rain batter the area as Hurricane Milton approaches on October 9, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, will hit Florida's central Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall with destructive winds and flooding. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
    Wind and rain batter Sarasota, Fla. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

    Hurricane Milton lived up to its billing as a dangerous storm when it came ashore on Wednesday. Here's a recap of the damage it caused.

    • Milton made landfall Wednesday at approximately 8:30 p.m. ET in Siesta Key, Fla., the National Hurricane Center said

    • Milton had sustained winds of 120 m

    • The storm unleashed heavy rains in the Tampa region, with St. Petersburg getting over 5 inches of rain in a single hour and more than 16 inches over 24 hours

    • A storm surge of several feet was reported south of Siesta Key in towns like Venice and Punta Gorda

    • Prior to Milton's landfall, at least 19 tornadoes touched down in the state and a record number of tornado warnings were issued

    • Flash flood emergencies were issued in several cities and towns, and sprang up along the I-4 corridor as the storm headed toward Orlando

    • As of midnight ET, more than 2 million Florida residents and businesses were without power

  • More than 1.9 million Florida homes and businesses now without power

    Power outages in Florida from Hurricane Milton. (Poweroutage.us)
    Power outages in Florida from Hurricane Milton. (Poweroutage.us)

    Over 1.9 million utility customers were without power in Florida as of 11:30 p.m. ET, according to PowerOutage.us.

  • Fabric roof of Tropicana Field is left in tatters

    After Hurricane Milton hit Tampa Bay with heavy rainfall and strong winds, the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, where the Tama Bay Rays baseball team play, was left in tatters.

    Video posted by WFTS meteorologist Jason Adams captured the damage.

  • Flash flood emergencies expanding across I-4 corridor, NWS says

    Flash flood emergency declarations, the most severe flood warning issued by the National Weather Service, are following the path of Hurricane Milton as it pushes along Florida's I-4 corridor, the agency said late Thursday.

    "Flash Flood Emergencies are expanding across the I-4 corridor. This situation is extremely rare and only issued for a severe threat to life due to flooding," NWS said in a post to X.

    The agency urged Florida residents in the region to take the following steps:

    • Stay where you are; do not drive

    • Plan for water to rise and have a path to higher ground

    • Call 911 if you need emergency help

    On its website, the NWS says that flash flood emergencies are issued for "the exceedingly rare situations when extremely heavy rain is leading to a severe threat to human life and catastrophic damage from a flash flood is happening or will happen soon. Typically, emergency officials are reporting life-threatening water rises resulting in water rescues/evacuations."

  • Video shows the moment Milton makes electrical transformers explode

    Footage captured by the dashcam of a Lee County sheriff’s deputy shows multiple electrical transformers bursting simultaneously across the tree line.

    The storm has left an estimated 1.6 million homes and businesses in Florida without power, according to PowerOutage.us.

  • Updated watches and warnings from NWS

    The National Weather Service has released an updated list of ongoing warnings for Florida.

    As of 11 p.m. ET, a storm surge warning is in effect for

    • Florida's west coast from Flamingo northward to Anclote River, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay

    • Sebastian Inlet Florida to Altamaha Sound Georgia, including the St. Johns River

    A hurricane warning is in effect for

    • Florida's west coast from Bonita Beach northward to Suwannee River, including Tampa Bay

    • Florida's east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach

    A hurricane watch is in effect for

    • Lake Okeechobee

    • Florida's east coast from the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to the Palm Beach/Martin County Line

    A tropical storm warning is in effect for

    • The Florida Keys, including Dry Tortugas and Florida Bay

    • Lake Okeechobee

    • Florida's west coast from Flamingo to south of Bonita Beach

    • Florida's west coast from north of Suwanee River to Indian Pass

    • Florida's east coast south of the St. Lucie/Martin County Line to Flamingo

    • North of Ponte Vedra Beach Florida to Edisto Beach South Carolina

    • Extreme northwestern Bahamas, including Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos, and Bimini

Cover thumbnail photo: Mike Stewart/AP