Storm surge warnings out after Hurricane Milton bludgeons Florida with 120 mph winds

By Bob Unruh

Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida’s west coast with 120 mph winds overnight, dropped a foot of rain, spawned dozens of tornadoes and left multiple victims dead, has moved offshore and was downgraded to a Category 1 storm.

But threats remained.

Milton, which had been churning through winds of 175 mph before hitting land, eased as it came ashore near Siesta Key, Florida, but in just St. Lucie County alone, the sheriff confirmed at least 17 tornadoes.

Some three million were without power.

Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez said in a television interview on Fox that emergency orders had been issued for 51 of the state’s 67 counties, and Thursday revealed “devastation and damage” despite all of the preparations.

“Hurricane Milton indeed packs a punch, but Florida is ready under the leadership of Gov. DeSantis. And we’re going to continue to help people rebuild.”