Latest news about the strongest storm Milton on the planet in 2024, terrible destruction
Milton is Flooding Tampa Bay Area
Heavy Rain and Extremely Dangerous Winds in Milton Are Pounding the Tampa Bay Area
The storm has dumped more than 3 inches (76 mm) of rain in some areas over the past three hours, according to NOAA. An airport in St. Petersburg has received 3.49 inches (88 mm) of rain since 4 p.m. ET.
Major flooding is also occurring in Naples as Milton causes water levels to rise as high as 3.7 feet (1.1 m) above normal ground level.
Emergency services have been suspended as conditions worsen. The governor said at least 19 tornadoes have touched down in Florida.
More than 350,000 customers are without power in Florida
The most dangerous part of Milton is now coming ashore.
UPDATE Hurricane Milton has officially made landfall in Florida (USA): “Once in a 1,000 years” heavy rain appears, there have been the first casualties – Photo 4.
Milton has begun its landfall and the eyewall and strongest winds are approaching, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
Milton’s eyewall has sustained winds of up to 120 mph (193 km/h) with gusts increasing.
“The eye north of Milton is beginning to move up the Florida Gulf Coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg, where a severe wind warning is currently in effect. Please shelter in place as these extremely dangerous winds are spreading across the area,” the center warned.
The storm won’t officially make landfall until at least half of the eye has passed over land, which could be within the next hour or two.
CNN’s Boris Sanchez is in the Tampa Bay Area, where he said “weather conditions have deteriorated significantly.” He reported “very, very strong winds” and “very heavy rain.”
Sanchez said of the rain: “It feels like marbles hitting your skin.”
Here’s a roundup of Hurricane Milton damage in Florida, city by city. Check back for updates to this story.