Live
LIVE: At least 11 confirmed dead in Hurricane Milton as Biden urges people to 'stay inside and off roads'
10 October 2024, 06:01 | Updated: 10 October 2024, 23:19
More than 2 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida
Ten deaths have been confirmed following Hurricane Milton as Florida governor Ron Desantis warns "there will be fatalities".
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Hurricane Milton brought misery to a coast still ravaged by Helene as it ploughed into Florida as a Category 3 storm, pounding cities with winds of over 100 mph (160 kph) after producing a barrage of tornadoes.
The storm made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, at around 8.30pm local time (1.30am UK time).
It had maximum sustained winds of 120mph, the US National Hurricane Centre said.
The storm compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.
Read more: Hurricane Milton makes landfall as winds of 120mph slam into coast and Tampa hit by flash flooding
Read more: Taylor Swift donates $5million to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts
Sheriff Keith Pearson did not say how many had died but revealed there had been "multiple fatalities" after the tornado hit the Spanish Lakes Country Club in Fort Pierce.
More than two million Americans have since been left without power due to the "catastrophic" hurricane, with flash flooding having also hit the Tampa Bay Area.
The US National Weather Service issued the highest level of flood warning to residents within Milton's path.
Meanwhile, the strong winds ripped the roof off the Tropicana Field stadium in St Petersburg later on Wednesday evening.
Follow the latest updates on Hurricane Milton below.
Key updates:
- Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota County, Florida (8.30pm local time)
- Two hurricane-related deaths in St Lucie County
- Almost 3 million left without power
- Tampa hit by flash flooding
- Gusts of wind reach 120mph
At least 11 dead from Hurricane Milton
The latest increase comes after a tree fell on a vehicle in Citrus County, killing the driver.
Other deaths recorded include two in Pinellas County, three in Volusia County, and five in St Lucie County.
Biden blasts Trump for spreading misinformation about response to Milton
Speaking at the White House on the government's work to address hurricanes Milton and Helene, the president condemned the "reckless, irresponsible and relentless disinformation and outright lies that continue to flow".
The White House, and Mr Biden personally, have spent days criticising Mr Trump for making false claims about the disaster response, including that federal funding is being diverted for use on people in the country illegally and that such assistance is capped at 750 dollars (£575).
The 750 dollars is an immediate need disbursement, Mr Biden explained, to cover urgent requirements like food, nappies and baby formula.
Footage shows rescue of 14-year-old boy
Heart-warming footage shows the rescue of a 14-year-old boy floating on a piece of debris.
'Tragic 24 hours', commissioners says
“This has been a tragic 24 hours,” St. Lucie County Commissioner George Landry said during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing in the county - where five people have been confirmed dead.
At least nine tornadoes plowed through St. Lucie County on Wednesday, including three in less than 25 minutes.
Milton classified as post-tropical cyclone
Milton is now classified as a post-tropical cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The NHC says tropical storm conditions and storm surge are still occurring over portions of the southeastern U.S. coast.
Ten confirmed dead
At least ten people are known to have died in tornadoes caused by Hurricane Milton - which has brought damage and destruction to Florida.
Residents are being told not to visit areas which have been badly affected with more flooding expected in the coming days.
80,000 people spent the night in shelters with almost half a metre of rain falling on the state.
'Dozens of rescues' taking place - but storm 'did not produce worst-case scenario'
Florida governor Ron DeSantis said massive power outages were expected but thousands have already been restored.
"You're probably going to be okay on the east coast of Florida," he said.
He added that there had been "dozens of rescues" but his sense was that it "will stabilise".
"We can say the storm did not produce the worst-case scenario in terms of storm surge," he said.
"Over 36 hours ago the fear was category 4 producing about 15ft of storm surge - that did not end up happening.
"Not the worse case scenario."
Death toll rises to 10
Ten people have now been confirmed dead from Hurricane Milton.
Five were killed in tornadoes in St Lucie County ahead of the storm - up from the previously reported four.
Nine confirmed dead
It has now been confirmed that nine people are known to have died.
Millions of homes are still without power.
