At least 13 dead after Hurricane Milton hits Florida as Category 3 storm

13 people killed | At least 150 tornadoes reported across Florida

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Last updated: Friday, October 11, 2024 9:05AM GMT
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Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, and whipping up a barrage of tornadoes. It caused at least 25 deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.

The storm tracked to the south in the final hours and made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night in Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa. While it caused a lot of damage and water levels may continue to rise for days, Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was not "the worst-case scenario."

Oct 10, 2024, 5:52 PM

PHOTOS | Hurricane Milton

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This image provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shows an aerial view of the extensive flooding on Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office via AP

Hurricane Milton brought powerful winds, a dangerous storm surge and flooding to much of Florida after making landfall along the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm.

Here's a look at the damage from the storm.

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Oct 10, 2024, 10:05 PM

More than 3 million without power in Florida

Cars move slowly after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Matlacha, Fla.
Cars move slowly after Hurricane Milton damaged power lines, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Matlacha, Fla.

More than 3 million customers are without power in Florida.

More than 50,000 linemen have been pre-staged across Florida to restore power, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

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Oct 10, 2024, 5:48 AM GMT

Milton becomes Category 1 storm

Hurricane Milton is now a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds at about 90 mph.

The storm is moving east-northeast at about 16 mph, as a flash flood emergency continues over portions of west-central Florida.

-ABC News' Richard Von Ohlen

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Oct 10, 2024, 4:46 AM GMT

Milton weakens slightly with 100 mph winds

Milton remains a Category 2 hurricane, now with 100 mph winds.

The threats of extreme winds, flash flooding and life-threatening storm surge continue as Milton moves inland along Florida's west coast.

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Oct 10, 2024, 4:19 AM GMT

Drinking water service to be shut off in St. Petersburg due to major water main break

A major water main break is impacting potable water services across the entire city of St. Petersburg, due to Milton's damage.

The shutdown is expected to last until the necessary repairs can be completed, officials said.

-ABC News' Victoria Arancio

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Oct 10, 2024, 4:05 AM GMT

Milton brings over 17 inches of rain to St. Petersburg, Tampa sees nearly 10

Albert Whitted Airport saw 17.24 inches of rain in St. Petersburg, Florida, Wednesday evening.

Tampa International Airport had 9.93 inches of rain hours after Hurricane Milton made landfall.

Daytona Beach is experiencing 61 mph winds with nearly 4 inches of rain.