Hurricane Milton leaves at least 14 dead in Florida as millions left without power in storm’s aftermath: Live updates
Wind and storm surge warnings for Milton have been discontinued but hazards in the hurricane’s aftermath remain
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At least 14 people have died after Hurricane Milton devastated portions of Florida, as the extent of damage caused becomes clear in the wake of the storm.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night near Sarasota County’s Siesta Key, spawning dozens of tornadoes, 28ft waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surge.
Six people in St Lucie County retirement village have been killed by tornadoes brought on by the hurricane after a dozen twisters spawned in the region within 20 minutes.
About 2.5m homes and businesses in Florida have been left powerless, with those in the west-central region the worst impacted. More than 50,000 linemen have been deployed in an effort to restore power, Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday.
Ferocious winds caused a crane to collapse into the The Tampa Bay Times in St Petersburg, while the Tampa Bay Rays that it was “hurt” after the roof of its Tropicana Field stadium was left in disrepair.
All wind and storm surge warnings for Milton have been discontinued after the hurricane exited Florida’s east coast. The National Hurricane Center warned that “hazards remain” from damaged buildings, downed power lines and floodwaters.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warns of bacterial infections from floodwaters
“Many of the deaths or injuries come afterwards as you have downed power lines, people going into water, that might have bacteria that can lead to fatal infections,” he said. “Things that you don’t necessarily think of [at] the moment of the impact of the storm, but are certainly part of the danger.”
Six deaths reported from St. Lucie County tornadoes
St. Lucie County officials told ABC News that six people are dead after tornadoes tore through the area.
The fatalities were reported in the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in northern Fort Pierce.
Puppy rescued from rubble left behind by Hurricane Milton
A puppy named Benji was rescued Thursday from the rubble of mobile home retirement community in Fort Pierce, Florida.
His owners are among those unaccounted for, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
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