Hurricane Milton Causes Destruction Across Florida

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 120 mph, causing extensive damage and flooding across the state. The storm produced a deadly storm surge, inundating streets in Fort Myers and prompting mandatory evacuation orders in several counties. By Thursday morning, Milton weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph as it moved northeast off the Florida coast, leaving behind significant power outages and reports of multiple tornado touchdowns. Emergency crews are still working to clear downed power lines and trees, with officials warning against travel due to hazardous conditions. Rainfall totals reached up to 18 inches in some areas, exacerbating flooding concerns. The National Hurricane Center expects Milton to transition into a powerful extratropical low as it moves further from Florida.