Authorities in the U.S. anxiously await daylight in Florida (seven hours behind Greece) to begin assessing the damage and impact of Hurricane Milton. Despite initially striking as a Category 1 storm, it brought powerful winds and severe flooding. For nearly nine hours, Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across the state.

According to a CNN meteorologist, by noon (Greek time), the eye of Milton was leaving Florida’s eastern coast. However, flash floods and rising water levels remain a threat. Early reports indicate 3 million homes are without power, at least two people have died due to a tornado before Milton’s landfall, and 125 homes are damaged—a figure expected to rise.

Confirmed Deaths and Continued Dangers

The two confirmed casualties, both retirees from St. Lucie County, were killed by tornadoes spawned by Milton’s winds. The hurricane made landfall on Florida’s west coast at 3:30 a.m. (Greek time) with winds reaching 145 km/h.

Damage in Tampa and Surrounding Areas

Tampa avoided a direct hit, but flooding from the storm has caused widespread disruption. In St. Petersburg, the roof of Tropicana Field stadium was torn off, and a crane fell onto a building, fortunately causing no injuries.

Water Supply Concerns and Evacuations

Authorities fear water supply issues as damage to pipelines has been reported. FEMA confirmed that 70,000 people spent the night in government shelters following evacuation orders across 31 counties.

Rain and debris peppered FOX Weather Correspondent @RobertRayWx as Hurricane Milton slammed Florida Wednesday night. Robert and his team provide a raw, behind-the-scenes look at conditions on the ground, as winds gusting over 80 mph were measured nearby. https://t.co/w3anhWJYT9 pic.twitter.com/M5ziv8dwJ2

— FOX Weather (@foxweather) October 10, 2024

Reporters Face the Storm

Journalists like Robert Ray from Fox Weather braved the storm in protective gear, reporting live under 160 km/h winds. Ray emphasized the historical nature of the storm and urged residents to evacuate unsafe homes. Other reporters, including CNN’s Anderson Cooper, continued broadcasting despite being injured by debris.

Milton’s Impact

Milton struck Florida around 8:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. Greek time), weakened to Category 3 with winds of 195 km/h. By 11:00 p.m. local time (6:00 a.m. Greek time), winds had reduced to 165 km/h, but the storm remained dangerous. Its eye was about 120 km southwest of Orlando at that point.

More Footage of Reporters Battling the Storm can be seen in video clips from both U.S. and international journalists covering the hurricane.