The storm caused floods and left 3 million homes without power. Authorities warn of strong winds and widespread damage risks.
Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida on the night of Wednesday (9), left a tragic toll of four deaths and a trail of devastation. According to local authorities, the victims were reported in different parts of the state. With winds exceeding 200 km/h, the storm caused floods, destroyed properties, and left more than 3 million homes and businesses without power.
The hurricane, which initially reached Category 5, weakened overnight as it moved inland. The eye of the storm has already shifted towards the Atlantic Ocean, and it is expected to downgrade to a tropical storm in the coming hours.
Damage before landfall
Even before reaching the coast, the hurricane had already caused significant damage. Tornadoes associated with the storm were reported, especially on Florida’s east coast, uprooting trees and destroying homes. One of these tornadoes hit a retirement community in Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, resulting in two of the four reported deaths.
When Milton made landfall at 9:30 p.m., its winds reached 205 km/h, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Throughout the night, wind speeds dropped to 145 km/h, downgrading the hurricane to Category 1. Despite the weakening, the damage remains significant.
What to expect in the coming hours
- The storm is moving toward the Atlantic Ocean, but Milton is expected to remain in the region until at least Friday (11).
- Roads in Florida are blocked due to fallen trees and flooding.
- Authorities are urging residents to remain in shelters until the storm passes.
- Rescue teams are on standby to respond to emergencies as soon as it’s safe.
- Federal teams have been deployed to Florida to coordinate recovery efforts.
Thousands evacuated
Tampa Bay, home to more than 3 million people, was one of the hardest-hit areas. Since the start of the week, thousands of residents from high-risk areas were evacuated to temporary shelters, turning some Florida cities into ghost towns. The mass evacuation caused traffic jams, and fuel shortages at gas stations further complicated the evacuation process.
Residents also faced difficulties buying supplies, such as water and food, leaving supermarket shelves empty. Amid the chaos, Brazilians living in Florida reported challenges in finding protection and shelter.
Government response
President Joe Biden highlighted the hurricane’s potential for destruction and mobilized federal teams to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to follow safety guidelines and seek immediate shelter.
“Rescue teams are ready to act as soon as weather conditions allow,” DeSantis said. The government also stressed the importance of staying in shelters until the storm completely subsides.
Impact on infrastructure and tourism
In addition to the deaths and property damage, Hurricane Milton brought much of the state’s infrastructure to a standstill. Airports in Tampa and Orlando suspended flights, and major theme parks, including Disney and Universal, closed their doors. The temporary halt in these sectors has directly impacted Florida’s tourism industry, one of the state’s economic pillars.
Scientists have highlighted the unusual intensity of this hurricane season in the Atlantic. In just September and October, five major hurricanes formed. Experts attribute this surge in intensity to the warming of the oceans, especially the North Atlantic, and the transition to the La Niña weather phenomenon.
Hurricane Milton: an unpredictable force
Hurricane Milton stood out for its rapid intensification. In just 46 hours, it grew from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane, one of the fastest intensifications ever recorded. Although it weakened after making landfall, the damage caused by the storm continues to challenge local authorities, and the region’s recovery may take weeks.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, Milton caused minor damage with no fatalities. Now, the focus is on Florida’s recovery and the estimated losses, which could exceed $100 billion.