Hurricane “Milton” made landfall in Florida on Wednesday as a “highly dangerous” Category 3 hurricane, bringing devastating winds, storm surges, and flash floods, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
In a statement released shortly after midnight GMT, the center announced, “Data indicates that the eye of Hurricane Milton has made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on Florida’s west coast.”
The hurricane’s strength intensified on Tuesday, reaching its peak as a Category 3 storm with wind speeds of 270 km/h.
President Joe Biden issued a stark warning to residents of the affected areas, urging them to evacuate immediately. He stated, “You could be facing the worst storm to hit Florida in a century. Evacuate now, it’s a matter of life and death.”
While “Milton” passed by Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula on Tuesday without causing any casualties, it left behind significant property damage.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also addressed residents, stating, “The entire Florida Peninsula is under some form of watch or warning.”
