Hurricane Milton hits Florida as category 3 storm, triggers flash flood warnings
PTC News Desk: Hurricane Milton, initially classified as a powerful Category 5 storm, made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane but still packed a destructive punch. The storm hit near Siesta Key at 8:30pm local time on Wednesday and continued its path inland, with the center nearing Orlando by Thursday morning. Though the storm has since weakened to a Category 1, it continues to bring severe conditions across the state, with widespread flash flood warnings issued.
The National Hurricane Center confirmed that despite Hurricane Milton’s weakening, it poses significant threats, including flash flooding across several regions. Strong gusty winds accompanied the storm, causing authorities to remove first responders from the streets in some areas for safety reasons. In Orlando, police and firefighters were ordered to shelter in place due to unsafe conditions caused by high winds.
“When the wind speed decreases, they will be able to respond to calls for service. Residents should continue to shelter in place,” the Orlando government announced in an official alert.
A storm surge warning is in place for Florida’s west coast, including Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay, as rising waters pose a threat to coastal regions. A hurricane warning remains active from Bonita Beach to Suwannee River on the west coast and from the St. Lucie/Martin County line northward to Ponte Vedra Beach on the east coast.
As the storm moves further inland, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, as the threat of flooding and damaging winds remains high.