Florida's Gulf Coast faced the fury of Hurricane Milton as it made landfall near Siesta Key on Wednesday, unleashing powerful winds, deadly storm surges, and potential flooding across much of the state, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Milton, which drew fuel from the exceedingly warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, twice surged to Category 5 status before settling as a Category 3 storm upon landfall. The storm's immense power has left nearly 700,000 customers without electricity, as reported by PowerOutage.us.
Siesta Key, a picturesque barrier island known for its white-sand beaches and home to about 5,500 residents, bore the brunt of Milton's landfall. Located approximately 113 kilometers south of Tampa, the community faced severe weather conditions, while nearby areas like Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers also contended with the storm's deadly surge and intense winds.
Although Tampa did not take a direct hit, Hurricane Milton's expansive reach brought hazardous conditions to the city and surrounding regions. The storm's impact extended across Florida's Gulf Coast, affecting densely populated areas and raising concerns over widespread damage and flooding.
As Milton moved inland, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and heed safety advisories. The storm's progression highlights the ongoing challenges posed by severe weather events, particularly in coastal regions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
