Hurricane Milton Causes Deaths and Devastation Across Florida, Rips Roof Off Stadium

Florida is reeling from the deadly impact of Hurricane Milton, which smashed through the state with winds exceeding 100mph, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Officials have urged residents to stay indoors unless facing a life-threatening emergency as the powerful storm has claimed multiple lives and caused severe damage.

Among the hardest-hit areas, a stadium sheltering first responders had its roof torn off by the ferocious winds. In St. Petersburg, a crane collapsed, damaging a nearby office building, although no injuries were reported.

Fatalities Reported

Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple fatalities in St. Lucie County, including residents of a modular home community for people aged 55 and older. The sheriff described how homes were “lifted up, moved, and destroyed” by a tornado spawned by the hurricane, leaving everything in its path “gone.”

The St. Lucie Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that at least four people had been killed by tornadoes in the area, which suffered extensive damage to homes and structures.

Power Outages and Flood Warnings

More than 3.25 million people have been left without power across the state as Milton battered cities and towns. Flooding remains a major concern, with Tampa’s mayor issuing a dire warning for residents to stay indoors and avoid flooded areas. Despite the storm moving inland, dangerous conditions persist in central and eastern Florida.

Warnings Lifted

As of Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Service lifted tropical storm and hurricane warnings for Florida’s west coast, including Tampa Bay. However, damaging winds continue to affect parts of the state, particularly in the east and central regions.

Ongoing Recovery

Florida officials are now bracing for what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process as emergency services continue to assess the damage. With numerous homes destroyed, power outages, and continued risks of flooding, the full scale of Hurricane Milton’s impact is still unfolding.

Residents are urged to remain inside and follow official updates as the situation develops.