Florida, Oct 12, (V7N) – Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm, bringing winds of up to 120 mph and causing widespread devastation across the state. The storm, which struck Wednesday night, has left over 2 million homes and businesses without power as rescue operations continue.

The storm's impact was particularly severe in St. Lucie County, where a deadly tornado outbreak resulted in at least six fatalities. As assessments are conducted by the National Weather Service, the death toll from Hurricane Milton has reached at least 16 across Florida.

While the Tampa Bay area avoided the worst of the storm, Milton's powerful winds still caused significant damage. A construction crane collapsed onto a downtown building, and the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was torn away. Many roads remain blocked due to flooding and fallen trees, prompting ongoing evacuations and rescue efforts.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the media, acknowledging the extensive damage while noting that the state had narrowly escaped a more catastrophic scenario. “There’s damage, there’s a lot that’s going to need to be done,” he said, highlighting the need for collective recovery efforts.

As of Friday afternoon, utility companies reported that 2.1 million customers were still without power. Recovery efforts are underway, with 19 school districts reopening, and more are expected to follow as damage assessments progress.

In northeastern Florida, coastal communities remain under a flood advisory. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of hazardous rip currents and waves reaching heights of up to 12 feet.

President Joe Biden has pledged federal support, stating that initial damage estimates could reach $50 billion. “We’re going to do everything we can to help you pick up the pieces,” he assured affected residents. More than 50,000 utility workers from across the country and Canada are actively working to restore power to those impacted.

The storm's aftermath has also revealed geological hazards, with sinkholes emerging in various locations, including a significant one in Hillsborough County that has blocked access for residents.

For individuals like Cindy Phillips of Sarasota, the emotional impact of Hurricane Milton has been profound. Although her home suffered only minor damage, the repeated onslaught of storms has compelled her to consider leaving Florida permanently.

As the state works to recover from Hurricane Milton, the resilience of its communities is evident. Neighbors are uniting to support one another, embodying the spirit of recovery essential for the challenging days ahead.

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