Hurricane Milton lashes Florida with tornadoes and flooding; At least nine dead: live updates

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At least nine people have died after Hurricane Milton devastated parts of Florida and residents woke up to survey the damage.

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on Wednesday evening as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing with it multiple tornadoes, 28-foot waves, strong winds, heavy rains and a devastating storm surge.

Four people at the St. Lucie County retirement village were killed by tornadoes caused by the hurricane after a dozen tornadoes struck the region within 20 minutes.

High winds caused a crane to collapse into The Tampa Bay Times in St. Petersburg, while the roof of the Tropicana Field baseball stadium was in poor condition.

More than 3.3 million homes and businesses in Florida are without power, with those in the west-central region hardest hit.

Evacuation warnings were sent out to millions of people, and Bradenton Police Chief Melanie offered a dire forecast for those who ignored the advice. “What we're likely to find tomorrow morning are bodies,” she told BBC Radio 4 Today Thursday morning program.

After making landfall, Milton has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and continues to move off the east coast of Florida – residents are still battling strong winds and storm surge.

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When Milton hit the Tampa Bay Rays stadium, there were 14 people in the stadium

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 5:25 p.m

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The Treasure Island Causeway reopens

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 5:20 p.m

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Elon Musk's offer of “free internet” to Hurricane Milton victims isn't quite what it seems

Elon Musk is offering free internet to victims of hurricanes Milton and Helene through his company Starlink – but with a catch.

Musk said on Wednesday that the launch of Space's Starlink services

“This is being provided for free by SpaceX and TMobile to help those in need,” Musk said.

Rhian Lubin has the whole story.

James LiddellOctober 10, 2024 5:17 p.m

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Emergency crews are working to repair the damage in Pinellas County

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 5:15 p.m

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Pedro Caceres' Orlando home weathers the storm

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 5:10 p.m

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Pinellas County lifts evacuation order

Pinellas County lifted its mandatory evacuation order for Zones A, B, C and mobile homes late Thursday morning. In many places there may be no electricity or water, and roads have not yet been cleared of debris.

“The county continues to ask residents to avoid unnecessary travel as there are numerous hazards on the roads and many intersections are without power. Crews can clear roads and restore utility services more quickly when they are able to move freely,” the county said.

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 5:07 p.m

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St. Petersburg orders citywide boil water advisory

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 5:05 p.m

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Man plants Trump flag on pier amid deadly winds from Hurricane Milton

Man plants Trump flag on pier amid deadly winds from Hurricane Milton

A man braved the deadly conditions of Hurricane Milton to raise a Donald Trump flag on a pier in Florida. The person was caught on a surveillance camera in Naples as strong winds created huge waves on the coast. He successfully attached the Trump flag to the pier's structure before leaving the scene. Hurricane Milton devastated parts of Florida and caused “several deaths.” Officials expect more bodies to be found by sunrise. Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County on Wednesday evening (October 9) as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing with it multiple tornadoes, 28-foot waves, strong winds, heavy rains and a devastating storm surge. “Multiple deaths” have been confirmed after dozens of tornadoes formed in St. Lucie County, county Sheriff Keith Pearson said.

James LiddellOctober 10, 2024 5:02 p.m

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Biden urges Floridians to 'stay on the streets and off them'

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 4:59 p.m

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Stunning images show crane damage to the “historic” Tampa Bay Times office building

Julia MustoOctober 10, 2024 4:54 p.m