Hurricane Milton crashed into Florida’s Gulf Coast near Siesta Key on Wednesday, packing 125 mph winds and triggering mass evacuations. The storm – which briefly hit Category 5 twice this week – unleashed deadly storm surges and flooding, leaving nearly 700,000 homes without power 🚨.
Residents in Sarasota, Tampa, and Fort Myers faced life-threatening conditions as Milton’s surge submerged coastal roads. Siesta Key, a barrier island known for its Insta-famous beaches 🏖️, saw waves battering waterfront homes. While Tampa avoided a direct hit, the city still grappled with wind damage and rising waters.
🌡️ Scientists link Milton’s rapid intensification to record-warm Gulf of Mexico waters – a climate change red flag. The storm weakened slightly before landfall but remains one of 2024’s most destructive U.S. hurricanes.
Florida’s emergency teams are now racing to clear debris and restore power. Stay tuned for updates as the storm tracks inland. 💻🔍
