Hurricane Milton live updates: Florida surveys ‘tragic’ damage in wake of monster storm, dozens of tornadoes
Multiple fatalities have already been reported as Hurricane Milton continues to wreak havoc as it moves off Florida’s east coast
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At least 14 people have died after Hurricane Milton devastated portions of Florida, leaving residents waking up to survey the damage.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night near Sarasota County’s Siesta Key, bringing multiple 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.
Ferocious winds caused a crane to collapse into the The Tampa Bay Times in St Petersburg, while the roof of Tropicana Field baseball stadium has been left in disrepair.
More than 3.3m homes and businesses in Florida have been left powerless, with those in the west-central region the worst impacted.
Evacuation alerts were blasted out to millions, with Bradenton Police Chief Melanie issuing a bleak prognosis for those who neglected advice. “What we’ll probably be finding in the morning are bodies,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Thursday morning.
After landfall, Milton has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and is moving off Florida’s east coast – with residents still battling against brutal winds and storm surge.
Mayorkas says officials working to ensure residents of states hit by hurricanes have access to voting
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says officials are working to ensure residents in areas affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene have access to voting before the November 5 presidential election.
“We have seen state and local officials who are, of course, on point in ensuring access to voting. We have seen them take measures to ensure that people can, in fact, reach their polling places,” he told the White House press briefing.
“Some polling places have been damaged, for example, as a result of Hurricane Helene. But, they are pivoting to make sure that there are other facilities available to them. And, they’ll have different places at which they can place their votes.”
Milton Becomes a hurricane-force extratropical low pressure system
Florida Highway Patrol out with chainsaws on Anna Maria Island
More than 6,500 National Guard are supporting Milton response
Mayorkas says FEMA has resources to response to immediate needs of Helene, Milton survivors
“That being said, we will need additional funds,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday at the White House press briefing.
“And we implore Congress, when it returns, to in fact fund FEMA as it is needed.”
Milton saw at least 27 tornado touch downs
At least 27 tornadoes touched down in Hurricane Milton, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the White House press briefing, joining virtually from North Carolina.
“Right now, search and rescue is our highest priority,” he said.
Mayorkas warned that the storm may have passed but its hazards had not.
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