Overview

• Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, with sustained winds of 120 mph, causing significant damage across the state.
• Authorities issued evacuation orders for over 7.2 million people, with officials warning of life-threatening conditions and urging residents to seek safety.
• The storm, fueled by warm Gulf waters, was initially a Category 5 hurricane before weakening slightly but remains extremely dangerous.
• Milton's impact is compounded by recent devastation from Hurricane Helene, leaving communities struggling with debris and recovery efforts.
• Tornadoes and heavy rainfall have been reported, with flash flood warnings issued for multiple counties, exacerbating the risk of catastrophic flooding.