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
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
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.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission warns of alligators, snakes in flooded areas
Around 70 percent of Pinellas County is still without power
About 70 percent of Pinellas County is still without power Thursday, according to Duke Energy’s Jeff Baker.
“This will be a lengthy restoration,” he said.
Some residents could experience outages for a week or even longer.
All Milton warnings have been discontinued
The National Hurricane Center has discontinued all storm surge and tropical storm warnings related to Milton.
The storm is now a post-tropical cyclone.
Coast Guard rescues man clinging to cooler in Gulf of Mexico
Hurricane Milton death toll rises to 13
At least four people died in Volusia County after Hurricane Milton hit Florida, officials said Thursday.
“I had the ability to traverse the county last night, prior to and when the eye came ashore and I can tell you, we are in for a long recovery, but we need your help to get it done,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told reporters.
The announcement brings the death toll up to 13.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments