Hurricane Milton Strikes Florida’s West Coast, Spreading Widespread Destruction and Fear
TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s storm-weary west coast Wednesday evening, crashing into the Siesta Key area as a Category 3 storm. The hurricane, described by President Joe Biden as “the storm of the century,” brought powerful winds, catastrophic flooding, and tornadoes, threatening the Tampa Bay and Sarasota regions, which were already reeling from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene just weeks before.
Milton arrived with sustained winds of 120 mph, down from its peak at 145 mph, but it grew in size, expanding the scope of potential damage. Within 15 minutes of landfall, nearly one million residents lost power, plunging the west coast into darkness.
Impact and Damage
While Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, its tropical-storm-force winds extended out 255 miles, causing havoc across a wide area. Tornadic supercells accompanied the storm, with meteorologists confirming up to nine tornadoes in Miami alone. The National Weather Service reported 98 tornado warnings from Tampa Bay, Melbourne, and Miami, with dangerous rotating thunderstorms sweeping inland.
In Fort Myers, residents witnessed flash flooding as streets in downtown areas began to submerge under rapidly rising waters. The storm surge threatened to push water levels up to 12 feet above ground in parts of the Tampa metropolitan area, home to over 3 million people, which has not experienced a direct hit by a major hurricane in more than a century. As Milton tore across the Florida peninsula, it was expected to retain hurricane status and move out into the Atlantic by Thursday.
Florida Faces Historic Hurricane Season
Milton is the third hurricane to make landfall in Florida this year, tying 2024 with previous years for the most landfalls in a single season. It follows the deadly Hurricane Helene, which left a trail of destruction across six states after making landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on September 26. Helene caused over 200 deaths and billions in insured losses, adding to the challenges facing Florida as it braces for the aftermath of yet another major hurricane.
Governor Ron DeSantis assured Floridians that the state was prepared for the storm’s onslaught. Hundreds of search and rescue personnel were stationed in key areas, along with 180 high-water vehicles. Over 6,000 National Guard members, supported by additional personnel from other states, stood ready to respond. Utility companies mobilized 50,000 linemen to restore power as soon as conditions permitted.
President Biden’s Response
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other top administration officials emphasized the severity of the storm, urging residents to follow evacuation orders. “It’s a matter, literally, of life and death,” Biden said in a White House briefing. The president approved emergency declarations and deployed FEMA personnel, search and rescue teams, and essential resources, including food, water, and medical aid.
“This is a storm that by every measure will be more dangerous, more deadly, and more catastrophic,” said Vice President Harris, who is also the Democratic presidential nominee. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell echoed the administration’s calls for caution, promising full federal support as the state grapples with the storm’s impact.
A State on Edge
Despite mandatory evacuations for over two dozen counties and warnings for millions more, some Floridians chose to stay behind, hunkering down as Milton approached. In some cases, residents cited their homes’ elevated positions as protection against the storm surge, while others feared running out of gas in traffic-jammed evacuation routes. Many lacked the financial means to evacuate, further complicating the already dire situation.
For those staying behind, the risks were immense, as Milton’s wrath threatened not only the west coast but also inland areas with torrential rain, flooding, and tornadoes. Rainfall of 6 to 12 inches, with isolated totals up to 18 inches, was forecast for central and northern portions of the Florida peninsula, while millions of people remained under tropical storm or hurricane warnings.
Economic Impact
Beyond the immediate physical damage, the storm’s impact on Florida’s economy was significant. Milton’s path covered nearly 3% of the U.S. gross domestic product, affecting businesses ranging from airlines and energy companies to theme parks like Universal Studios. Many operations were already halted in anticipation of the storm’s disruptions.
As Hurricane Milton cuts across Florida, residents are left bracing for a prolonged recovery process, compounded by the already extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene. For now, the state’s priority remains survival and safety as Florida once again faces the brutal realities of an increasingly active hurricane season.
