Live

Hurricane Milton live updates: 16 killed, over 2 million without power in Florida

Milton forced millions to evacuate and left widespread destruction.

ByKevin Shalvey, Emily Shapiro, David Brennan, Julia Reinstein, Leah Sarnoff, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: October 11, 2024, 1:25 PM EDT

At least 16 people have died from Hurricane Milton, which roared onshore on Florida's west coast as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing tornadoes, powerful winds and flooding rains. The monster storm forced millions to evacuate and left widespread destruction across Florida.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
11:12 AM EDT

1,600 people rescued across Florida, DeSantis says

There have been 1,600 people and 140 animals rescued across Florida during Hurricane Milton, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

Clearwater Beach recorded over 23 inches of rain while St. Petersburg faced nearly 19 inches of rain.

Residents and their pets evacuate Magnolia Avenue after Hurricane Milton flooded the neighborhood in South Daytona, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024.
Nadia Zomorodian/USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters

A resident on Magnolia Avenue surveys the flooding damage after Hurricane Milton passed in South Daytona, Fla., Oct. 11, 2024.
Nadia Zomorodian/USA Today Network via REUTERS

As Floridians venture back outside, DeSantis urged, "Please exercise caution, don’t wade into floodwaters. Be careful how you’re using ladders. Use generators properly."

With the cleanup process underway, the governor said Florida is not facing as much debris as he anticipated before landfall.

"We did not get the worst-case scenario, but we did get hit," DeSantis said.

He said 12,000 miles of state roads have been cleared and inspectors have conducted nearly 2,000 bridge inspections across impacted areas.

10:07 AM EDT

Scammers may take advantage of hurricane victims, IRS warns

The IRS warned that criminals may try to take advantage of victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the agency urged the public to be vigilant when donating to relief efforts.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of the recent hurricanes," the IRS Criminal Investigation service tweeted. "During times of crisis, many of us want to help—but unfortunately, scammers take advantage of these moments."

With six states from North Carolina to Florida under disaster declarations, the IRS is warning Americans to verify a charity’s legitimacy, be cautious of unsolicited texts and social media postings and to never send money in the form of gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

"Be suspicious if they pressure you to act immediately," the IRS said.

Marie Cook reacts to the damage to her home in the Binks Estates community after a tornado formed by Hurricane Milton touched down striking homes in The Preserve and Binks Estate among others in its path in Wellington, Fla., Oct. 9, 2024.
Bill Ingram/The Palm Beach Post via Reuters

-ABC News’ Luke Barr

9:17 AM EDT

Tampa, Orlando airports reopen

Flights are resuming at Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport on Friday following Hurricane Milton. But about one-fourth of flights leaving both airports have been canceled.

9:16 AM EDT

Death toll climbs to 16

The death toll from Hurricane Milton has risen to 16.

In Orange County, which encompasses Orlando, a 60-year-old man died Thursday when he stepped on a downed power line while cleaning debris from the storm, the sheriff's office said.

In Tampa, a woman in her 70s was killed by a fallen tree branch, police said.

Six of the storm deaths were attributed to tornadoes in St. Lucie County.

A drone view shows a house destroyed by a tornado as Hurricane Milton approaches Fort Myers, Fla., Oct. 9, 2024.
Ricardo Arduengo/Reuters

Related Topics