At least 11 people have lost their lives as Hurricane Milton unleashed a series of tornadoes across Florida, prompting widespread flooding, power outages, and extensive property damage. The storm swept across the state late Wednesday before moving into the Atlantic, leaving behind a trail of destruction, including blocked roads littered with downed trees and power lines. Approximately three million homes and businesses experienced power outages.
Initial reports indicate that tornadoes, rather than flooding, were primarily responsible for the fatalities. In Fort Pierce, a city on Florida’s east coast, four individuals died at a senior living facility after a tornado struck the area. “It was pretty scary,” said Susan Stepp, a resident of Fort Pierce. “They did find some people just outside dead, in a tree. I wish they would have evacuated.”
The casualties included five people in St. Lucie County, three in Volusia County, two in St. Petersburg, and one in Tampa. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed that the deaths were linked to the tornadoes. In Tampa, police discovered a woman in her early 70s trapped under a large tree branch, which they believe was related to restoration efforts following the hurricane. Additionally, in Polk County, a road crew worker was killed when struck by a colleague’s vehicle while clearing debris.
The severity of the storm prompted concern, particularly given that it followed Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region just two weeks prior, killing 237 people. However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis remarked, “The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst-case scenario.”
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, with wind speeds strong enough to damage structures still recovering from the previous storm. The National Weather Service issued 126 tornado warnings throughout Florida on Wednesday, marking the highest number for a single day since records began in 1986.
In the aftermath, residents began surveying the damage. Kristin Joyce, a 72-year-old interior designer from Sarasota Bay, stated, “There is no question it needs to be a serious wake-up call for everyone in terms of climate change.” Scientists warn that the frequency and severity of storms are increasing due to rising temperatures.
President Joe Biden urged residents to stay indoors due to dangerous conditions from downed power lines and debris. In a video message, former President Donald Trump expressed prayers for Florida residents, adding a political note as he urged supporters to vote for him.
Despite the devastation, many Floridians, like Sarasota resident Carrie Elizabeth, expressed relief that the storm was not as catastrophic as feared. “I feel that we’re very lucky,” she remarked. “It’ll take a long time to clean up, but it could have been much worse.”