Hurricane Milton made a significant impact as it passed through central Florida overnight, causing widespread damage with its high winds and flooding. The storm made landfall near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, moving quickly across the state.
Florida CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis had predicted potential insured losses of $10 to $20 billion from the storm. Damage assessments began on Thursday morning, but it may take time to fully understand the economic impact of Milton.
In St. Petersburg, Hurricane Milton caused substantial damage, stripping parts of the roof from Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The high winds also led to a crane collapsing, damaging the building that houses the offices of the Tampa Bay Times.
Some areas experienced significant flooding from the heavy rains and storm surge brought by Milton. Tornadoes hit St. Lucie County ahead of the storm, resulting in four confirmed deaths. Wellington, near West Palm Beach, also experienced tornadoes.
The National Hurricane Center stated that Milton would continue to move away from the east coast of Florida and pass north of the northwestern Bahamas. The storm was expected to weaken gradually in the coming days.
Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton, residents were urged to exercise caution and allow first responders to work. Trees were down, power was out, and emergency rescue missions were ongoing. Patronis emphasized the importance of patience and safety in the aftermath of the storm.
As recovery efforts continue and the full extent of the damage is assessed, the impact of Hurricane Milton on central Florida will become clearer.