Hurricane Milton Leaves Destruction Across Storm-Weary Florida: Live Updates
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**TAMPA, Fla.** – Hurricane Milton unleashed its fury across the Florida Panhandle on Thursday, carving a path of devastation from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The storm inundated neighborhoods, destroyed homes, and severely damaged infrastructure, including tearing the roof off a major sports venue and toppling a massive crane into an office building, leaving a trail of chaos in its wake.
In downtown Tampa, the early hours of Thursday were marked by fierce winds that wreaked havoc on the city. Traffic lights were downed, signs were uprooted, and construction barricades were sent skidding across the waterlogged pavement. The relentless winds of Milton also peeled away plywood barriers that were intended to protect buildings from the storm's impact. This resulted in a partial collapse of a brick facade from a downtown building, which blocked access to a nearby road and posed additional dangers to residents and emergency responders.
Fortunately, while Tampa Bay braced for significant storm surge, the area experienced a reverse storm surge that pushed water away from the coastline, mitigating some of the potential flooding. Milton made landfall late Wednesday on Florida's western coast as a Category 3 hurricane, boasting sustained winds of 120 mph. As it moved through the state, the hurricane spawned numerous tornadoes, further complicating the emergency response efforts. By early Thursday, the storm was exiting Florida near Cape Canaveral, downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 85 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. update.
Tragically, at least two fatalities have been reported in a retirement community in Fort Pierce, located on the east coast of Florida, following a suspected tornado. St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed the casualties, underscoring the storm's lethal potential. Additionally, more than 3 million homes and businesses were without power by early Thursday morning, according to data compiled by USA TODAY regarding power outages across the state.
As the storm continued to unleash heavy rainfall, a flash flood emergency was declared for Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Parts of the region were inundated with over 16 inches of rain on Wednesday alone, leading to hazardous conditions and significant flooding in various neighborhoods. Emergency services were deployed to assist residents in distress and to manage the rapidly evolving situation.
The eye of Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key, a barrier island located about 60 miles south of Tampa. This latest powerful assault comes just two weeks after Hurricane Helene had also wreaked havoc on the Florida coast, devastating communities across seven states. The frequency and intensity of these storms have left residents feeling weary and anxious about the ongoing hurricane season.
### Developments
- **Oil Prices Surge:** In the wake of Hurricane Milton, oil prices climbed on Thursday due to a spike in fuel demand. The storm's impact has been felt in Florida, where many fuel stations reported selling out of supplies. This increase in demand, coupled with concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East amid rising tensions between Israel and major oil producer Iran, has contributed to the upward pressure on crude prices.
As the storm continues to move away from Florida, the full extent of the damage remains to be seen. Recovery efforts are expected to ramp up over the coming days as officials assess the destruction and begin to provide aid to those affected. With the hurricane season still in full swing, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for any future storms that may threaten the region.
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