Hurricane Milton Triggers Deadly Tornado Outbreak in Florida

Hurricane Milton made landfall on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, Florida, bringing maximum sustained winds of 120 mph and extensive damage. Tragically, multiple fatalities have been reported in St. Lucie County due to powerful tornadoes spawned by the hurricane, with significant destruction at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community. Authorities have initiated search and rescue operations for trapped individuals, as hundreds of homes across the region have suffered catastrophic damage. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed at least 19 tornadoes in central and southern Florida, contributing to over 1.5 million power outages statewide. As of the latest updates, Hurricane Milton has since been downgraded to a Category 2 storm and continues to pose a threat as it moves toward the Atlantic. Emergency crews are focused on aiding survivors and assessing the extensive damage caused by both the hurricane and the tornadoes.