Hurricane Milton Ravages Florida with Fierce Winds and Heavy Flooding

Hurricane Milton struck Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday, delivering powerful winds, storm surges, and potential inland flooding. As the hurricane moved across the peninsula, it threatened areas previously hit by Hurricane Helene. Evacuation orders were issued amid widespread power outages and tornado threats.

Hurricane Milton made a destructive landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Centre reported. With maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, Milton hit near Siesta Key, unleashing a deadly storm surge and strong winds over Florida, including areas like Sarasota, Tampa, and Fort Myers.

The hurricane, driven by warm Gulf waters, surpassed Category 5 levels before returning to Category 3 as it approached the state. Officials had warned residents to evacuate as Milton stirred fears of severe flooding and tornadoes, especially in regions still recovering from the earlier Hurricane Helene.

Authorities in Florida issued evacuation orders for 15 counties, impacting around 7.2 million people, while preparing response teams with resources. However, as conditions worsened, emergency services halted rescues due to safety risks. Residents, concerned about staying or fleeing, faced challenges amid gas shortages and fears of infrastructure damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)