View source for Hurricane Milton (Reanalysis)

{{SHORTDESC:Category 5 Atlantic hurricane in 2024}}
{{Infobox weather event/SSHWS
|image location=Milton 2024-10-07 1920Z.jpg|basin=atl|formed=October 5, 2024|extratropical=October 10, 2024|dissipated=October 13, 2024|1-min winds=185|lowest pressure=891|fatalities=45 total|missing=6|damage=34600000000|moneyyear=2024|affected={{Flatlist|
* Mexico (Gulf Coast of Mexico and northern Yucatán Peninsula)
* Greater Antilles (Western Cuba)
* Southeastern United States (especially Florida and Georgia
* Lucayan Archipelago (The Bahamas)
}}|hurricane season=2024 Atlantic hurricane season|image caption=Milton at its joint-record peak intensity just north of the Yucatán Peninsula on October 7|recordpressure=Lowest recorded in the Gulf of Mexico}}
<u>'''This is a reanalysis of Hurricane Milton by Shark'''</u>

'''Hurricane Milton''' was an extremely powerful, destructive, and record breaking '''tropical cyclone''' which became the most intense '''Atlantic hurricane''' ever recorded over the '''Gulf of Mexico'''. Milton made landfall on the west coast of the U.S. state of '''Florida''', less than two weeks after '''[[Hurricane Helene (Reanalysis)|Hurricane Helene]]''' devastated the state's '''Big Bend region'''. The thirteenth '''named storm''', ninth '''hurricane''', fourth '''major hurricane''', and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton was the strongest tropical cyclone to occur worldwide in 2024.

Milton formed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance that originated in the western '''Caribbean Sea''' and consolidated in the '''Bay of Campeche''' on October&nbsp;5. Gradual intensification occurred as it slowly moved eastward, becoming a hurricane early on October&nbsp;7. Later that day, Milton underwent '''explosive intensification''' and became a Category 5 hurricane with winds of {{convert|185|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. At peak intensity, it had a pressure of {{convert|891|mb|inHg|sigfig=4}}, making it the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Milton weakened to a Category&nbsp;4 hurricane after an '''eyewall replacement cycle''', and reintensified into a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane the following day. Increasing wind shear caused the hurricane to weaken as it turned northeast towards Florida, falling to Category&nbsp;3 status before making landfall near '''Siesta Key''' late on October 9. Afterwards, Milton rapidly weakened as it moved across the state into the Atlantic Ocean, and became '''extratropical''' on October 10 as it became embedded within a frontal zone. The remnants gradually weakened and passed near the island of '''Bermuda''' before becoming indistinguishable and dissipating on October 13.

Ahead of the hurricane, Florida declared a '''state of emergency''' in which many coastal residents were ordered to evacuate. Preparations were also undertaken in Mexico's '''Yucatán Peninsula'''. The hurricane spawned a deadly '''tornado outbreak''' and caused widespread flooding in Florida. As of October&nbsp;21, 2024, Hurricane Milton killed at least 45 people: 42 in the United States and three in Mexico. Current damage estimates place the cost of destruction from the storm at US$34.6 billion.

==Meteorological history ==
{{storm path|Milton 2024 path.webp|colors=new}}
The '''National Hurricane Center''' (NHC) first outlined an area for possible development in the western '''Caribbean Sea''' on September&nbsp;26. A '''broad area of low pressure''' formed in the western Caribbean, producing disorganized showers and '''thunderstorms''' before degenerating into an open trough two days later. The disturbance then interacted with the remnants of '''Tropical Depression Eleven-E''' in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and a '''stationary front''', and consolidated in the '''Bay of Campeche'''. By October&nbsp;4, showing more signs of development, it was designated '''''Invest''' 92L''. The next day, as associated showers and thunderstorms organized further, the NHC upgraded it to Tropical Depression Fourteen, then to Tropical Storm ''Milton'' less than three hours later as satellite wind data indicated the storm was producing '''gale-force''' winds. The system gradually strengthened as it moved erratically in the Bay of Campeche due to weak steering currents. A developing mid-level '''trough''' over the '''Central United States''' eventually helped steer Milton eastward across the Gulf of Mexico. Milton's radius of tropical storm-force winds was only {{convert|30|nmi|km}}, marking it as a relatively small storm. Spiral banding and consistent bursts of convection continued through the early morning of October&nbsp;6.

{{Most intense Atlantic hurricanes}}
By the afternoon of October&nbsp;6, '''Hurricane Hunters''' had found that Milton had intensified into a hurricane, with an intermittent eye feature. Overnight, Milton began to undergo '''explosive intensification''', enabled by highly favorable environmental conditions consisting of very warm '''sea surface temperatures''' (SSTs) near {{convert|31|C|F}}, high mid-level '''relative humidity''' values and low '''wind shear'''. As it did so, a pinhole '''eye''' measuring {{convert|4|nmi|km|0}} soon developed within very deep convection of around {{convert|-80|C|F}}, with Milton becoming a major hurricane and soon after a Category&nbsp;5 hurricane, by 11:00&nbsp;UTC and 16:00&nbsp;UTC respectively on October&nbsp;7, making it the second Category&nbsp;5 hurricane of the season. Milton reached its peak intensity at 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;8 with '''maximum sustained winds''' of {{convert|185|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and a '''minimum central pressure''' of {{convert|891|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, the most intense since '''Wilma''' in '''2005''', making Milton the '''third-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record'''. In the 24-hour period from 00:00&nbsp;UTC October&nbsp;7 to 00:00&nbsp;UTC October&nbsp;8, the pressure fell from {{convert|981|mb|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} to {{convert|891|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, a drop of {{convert|90|mb|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}, while the winds increased by {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} in the same time period. This was also the second-fastest period of rapid intensification in the Atlantic after Wilma, and the fastest in the '''Gulf of Mexico'''.
[[File:Hurricane milton SPoRT 20241006.jpg|thumb|left|Map of the extremely warm sea surface temperatures that enabled Milton's rapid intensification, overlayed with its path through 12:00&nbsp;UTC on October 7]]
After peaking in intensity, further strengthening was halted by an '''eyewall replacement cycle''', causing the storm to weaken to Category&nbsp;4 intensity later that night, but a larger eye became increasingly well-defined, and Milton re-achieved Category&nbsp;5 intensity by the afternoon of October&nbsp;8, by which time the hurricane had undergone a second round of rapid deepening to a secondary peak with winds of 165&nbsp;mph (270&nbsp;km/h) and a pressure of {{convert|902|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} at 00:00&nbsp;UTC on October&nbsp;9. By this time, it began to turn towards the northeast and accelerate from the trough steering it towards '''Florida'''. The next day, October&nbsp;9, increasing '''wind shear''' began to affect Milton, and the storm fell below Category&nbsp;5 intensity early that morning. The eye of the hurricane became cloud-filled and increasingly ill-defined while the convection became more ragged-looking as strong southwesterly wind shear of {{convert|30–35|knots|mph km/h|order=out|abbr=on}} overtook the hurricane. Milton made landfall at about 00:30 UTC on October&nbsp;10 (8:30&nbsp;p.m. local time on October 9) near '''Siesta Key, Florida''', as a Category&nbsp;3 hurricane with winds of {{convert|120|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}}. Milton quickly weakened over land and emerged over the Atlantic Ocean as a Category&nbsp;1 hurricane while also becoming increasingly entangled within a nearby '''frontal boundary'''. On the afternoon of October 10, it transitioned to a hurricane-force extratropical low; and proceeded to gradually spin down and become increasingly diffuse as it passed near '''Bermuda''', dissipating on October 13.

According to scientists from Climate Central, the abnormally high sea surface temperature, which enabled the fast intensification of the hurricane, was made 400–800 times more probable due to '''climate change''', based on the group's ''Climate Shift Index: Ocean'' (Ocean CSI) model. Scientists from the '''World Weather Attribution''' center calculated that 1 day rainfall events as those happened during the hurricane produce 20–30% more rain due to climate change while the wind speed of the hurricane increased by 10%. Using statistical modeling, the scientists hypothesized that "without climate change Milton would have made landfall as a Category 2 instead of a Category 3 storm".
{{clear}}

==Preparations==
[[File:Iss072e029127 (Oct 8, 2024) --- Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm at the time of this photograph, is pictured in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Yucatan Peninsula from the International Space Station as it orbi (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|Hurricane Milton seen from the '''International Space Station''' on October&nbsp;8]]
===Mexico ===
On October 6, 2024, the Mexican government issued a tropical storm watch for the northern coast of the '''Yucatán Peninsula''', from '''Celestún''' to '''Cancún'''. The watch was upgraded to tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches later in the day, then hurricane warnings the following day. Some 2,711 people voluntarily evacuated from '''Isla Holbox''', '''Quintana Roo Governor''' '''Mara Lezama''' reported. The '''Federal Electricity Commission''' (CFE) mobilized hundreds of workers and pieces of equipment to be placed in '''Campeche''', '''Yucatán''', and '''Quintana Roo''' in preparation for Milton. The '''Secretariat of the Navy''' announced that '''the Mexican Navy''' would be distributed around affected regions for distribution of resources. Services on the '''Tren Maya''' were suspended.

'''Panic buying''' was observed in '''Mérida''' ahead of the storm. Non-essential government services, including public transportation, were suspended in parts of Yucatán as Milton rapidly intensified on October&nbsp;7. '''Governor''' '''Joaquín Díaz Mena''' ordered the closure of all schools and ports in Yucatán.

===United States===
====Florida====
[[File:Interstate 4 Hurricane Milton evacuation ESU.jpg|thumb|'''Emergency shoulder use''' (left shoulder only) on eastbound '''I-4''' near '''Lakeland''' on October&nbsp;7]]
On October&nbsp;5, 2024, Florida Governor '''Ron DeSantis''' declared a state of emergency. He also issued an executive order requiring debris management sites and landfills in counties affected by '''Hurricane Helene''' to remain open around the clock to help remove debris before Milton made landfall. The order also increased the number of '''Florida National Guard'''smen working on debris removal from 800 to 4,000 to keep debris becoming a hazard in Milton's high winds. Dump trucks were deployed to help remove mounds of debris. '''Sandbag'''ging sites opened across the state.

Two days later, hurricane and tropical storm warnings were declared for the Florida West Coast, nearly 15&nbsp;million people across Florida were under flood watches, and President '''Joe Biden''' approved an emergency declaration for the state. DeSantis ordered the '''Florida Department of Transportation''' and the '''Florida Division of Emergency Management''' to coordinate resources. He suspended tolls on many roads in western Florida, including '''Florida's Turnpike'''. Public schools in over 50 counties as well as 23 public colleges and universities across the state canceled classes or were closed, including the '''University of South Florida''' in Tampa and '''Florida Gulf Coast University''' in Lee County near Fort Myers. '''Rollins College''' evacuated campus. Several counties opened schools up as emergency shelters.

'''Amtrak''' suspended its '''''Silver Service''''' between '''Jacksonville''' and '''Miami''' from October&nbsp;7 to 11 and canceled the '''''Auto Train''''' from October 8 to 10. Many airports throughout the state, particularly in '''Central''' and '''Southwest Florida''', temporarily closed during the storm including '''Tampa International Airport''', '''Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport''', '''St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport''', '''Palm Beach International Airport''', and '''Orlando International Airport'''. Thousands of flights intending to arrive or depart from Florida were canceled. Several cruise lines had their schedule affected due to the storm. The October&nbsp;7 launch of '''''Hera''''' occurred as planned, but the launch of the '''Europa Clipper''' spacecraft was delayed. '''SpaceX Crew-8''''s return was postponed to October&nbsp;13. '''Brightline''' operations were suspended between '''West Palm Beach''' and '''Orlando''' station from October 8 to 10. '''Legoland Florida''' and '''Walt Disney World''' closed due to Milton. Starting on October 8, '''Busch Gardens Tampa Bay''' was to close for three days.

An estimated six million Floridians were ordered to '''evacuate''', marking one of the largest evacuation orders since '''Hurricane Irma''' in 2017. The evacuation orders were primarily situated in '''Hillsborough''' and surrounding counties. '''Volusia''' and Marion counties also issued evacuation orders for homes at risk. Throughout the '''Tampa Bay area''', comfort stations and locations to do basic utilities that were opened due to '''Helene''' were closed due to Milton. In '''Longboat Key''', officials stated that residents should evacuate from the town. In coordination with the '''Florida Division of Emergency Management''', '''Uber''' offered free rides to and from state shelters.

Zoos such as the '''Florida Aquarium''', the '''Palm Beach Zoo''', and '''ZooTampa''' activated their emergency plans and moved animals into higher ground locations or secure areas such as bathrooms. A few of the workers planned on staying at the zoos to continue to monitor the animals, feed them and provide care if needed. Some national organizations such as Wings of Rescue and '''Best Friends Animal Society''', worked with others to evacuate shelter animals to partner shelters in other states.

The '''National Hockey League''' canceled the preseason finale for the '''Tampa Bay Lightning''', which was initially postponed from Helene. Additionally, the Lightning's season-opener against the '''Carolina Hurricanes''' on October 12 was postponed. All '''University of Central Florida''' sporting events scheduled for October 9 and 10 were canceled as well. The '''South Florida Bulls''' football game against the '''Memphis Tigers''' was postponed from October 11 to 12 and moved from Tampa to '''Camping World Stadium''' in Orlando.

The '''National Football League''''s '''Tampa Bay Buccaneers''' relocated to '''New Orleans''' ahead of their game against the '''New Orleans Saints''' on October 13. '''Publix''' and '''Walmart''' altered store hours and closed several other of their locations in preparation for the storm and their locations among other stores faced shortages of items such as bottled water, alcohol, canned goods, and snacks due to panic buying. Gas station shortages occurred across the state, with 16.5% out by the afternoon of October 8, including 43% in the Tampa Bay area according to '''GasBuddy'''. Governor DeSantis said fuel replenishment efforts were underway and said that there was not a fuel shortage. The '''Florida Highway Patrol''' began escorting fuel tankers to help replenish gas stations ahead of landfall to aid in evacuation efforts. DeSantis also urged that people consider evacuating "tens of miles" instead of "hundreds of miles". The '''American Automobile Association''' advised Floridians to "take only what you need" and to avoid letting their gas tanks getting too low before looking for a place to fill up. Thirty-three '''Waffle House''' locations in Milton's projected path were closed, indicating a red level on the '''Waffle House Index'''.

President Joe Biden postponed a planned trip from October 10 to 15 to '''Angola''' and '''Germany''' to oversee preparations and the response. He urged those living in areas at risk to evacuate, saying that it was a matter of life and death.

The '''Federal Emergency Management Agency''' (FEMA) suffered a staffing shortage ahead of the storm, with only 9% of the agency's staff available. According to '''Homeland Security Secretary''' '''Alejandro Mayorkas''', the agency remained ready to respond, saying that "we can respond to multiple events at a single time". Over the previous five years at least 25% of staff remained available by October 7. This figure was lower than in 2017 when FEMA's staff availability dropped to 19% as FEMA staff responded to '''Hurricane Harvey''', '''Hurricane Irma''', and '''Hurricane Maria'''. Press Secretary '''Karine Jean-Pierre''' ended a briefing, accusing journalists of spreading misinformation related to disaster funding.

There were casualties involved as a result of evacuating: one fatality occurred after a car accident in '''Marion County''' southeast of '''Orange Lake''', while three people were injured after the plane they were in crashed into '''Tampa Bay''' after its engine failed while taking off from '''Albert Whitted Airport''' in '''St. Petersburg'''. In addition, two people died on eastbound '''SR 82''' while evacuating.
====Georgia====
'''Coastal Georgia''' was placed under a tropical storm warning. On October 7, 2024, '''Atlanta Motor Speedway''' opened its campground for evacuees with pop-up campers and tents with access to a complementary shower house, including those from Florida, in collaboration with the '''Henry County''' Emergency Management Agency. A limited number of camping spaces with water, power, and sewer hook-ups were made available as well.

On October 8, '''Georgia Governor''' '''Brian Kemp''' issued an executive order which declared a state of emergency across 40 counties and ordered the '''Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency''' to activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan and '''Georgia Department of Transportation''' and '''Georgia Department of Public Safety''' to take action to ensure the expeditious movement of utility vehicles, equipment, and personnel throughout the state to eliminate any potential power outages. The order also called up to 250 '''Georgia National Guard''' troops to be used in preparation, response, and recovery efforts. '''Cumberland Island National Seashore''' closed indefinitely on October 8.

===The Bahamas===
A tropical storm watch was issued for Extreme Northwest Bahamian Islands on October&nbsp;8, 2024, upgraded six hours later to a tropical storm warning. '''Grand Bahama''' activated their emergency operations center. The '''Royal Bahamas Defence Force''' went on standby with supplies prepared for Hurricane Milton. In-person schools on Grand Bahama, '''Bimini''', '''Abaco''', and '''Grand Cay''' were closed. The '''Anglican Central Education Authority''' closed two campuses. '''Bahamian''' students in Florida were ordered to evacuate; '''Bahamasair''' made two flights on October&nbsp;7 and 8 to '''Orlando'''. The '''Grand Bahama International Airport''' had closed. '''Bahamas Power and Light''' offices in northern islands closed October&nbsp;9. Banks on Grand Bahama and Abaco closed October&nbsp;10. A large surge in sales of hurricane-related supplies occurred.

==Impact==
{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; margin:0 1em 0.5em 1em;"
|+style="color: black; text-align: center;" | Casualties and damage by country
!Area
!Deaths<br />(Missing)
!Damage cost (USD) 
|-
|Yucatán, Mexico
|3 (6)
|Minimal 
|-
|Florida, United States
|32 (0)
|>$34.6&nbsp;billion 
|-
!Total
!35 (6)
!$34.6&nbsp;billion
|}

===Mexico===
Heavy rainfall from Milton caused flooding in the city of '''Campeche'''. Dangerous storm surge and torrential rainfall impacted the state of '''Yucatán''', with the seawall at '''Progreso''' being inundated by high waves. Over 12,000 people were affected in the state by power outages. Flooding from the storm surge led to evacuations being carried out during the hurricane in '''Celestún'''. Strong waves caused sections of the '''Ciudad del Carmen'''–'''Isla Aguada''' federal highway to be inundated by sea waters. A man and a woman drowned in '''Calkiní''' due to waves produced by the hurricane. Heavy winds from Milton caused an old house in Progreso to collapse, and heavy winds and rainfall nearly demolished a home in Chuburná.

The municipalities of '''Sisal''' and '''Celestún''' suffered the most damage, with flooding, fallen trees, and blackouts affecting the cities. In Sisal, there were reports of some roofs of softball field stands and '''palapas''' collapsing. Over a thousand people from El Cuyo, '''Río Lagartos''', and '''Las Coloradas''' needed to be transferred to shelters. Heavy swells and intense winds from Milton destroyed the dock of the port of '''Chelem'''. '''Cancún International Airport''' canceled several flights due to Milton.

Fifteen fishermen on four boats from Progreso went missing while out on the water as Milton passed. Two of the boats, carrying eight fishermen, returned on October 9. Another missing boat, ''Peyucsa 12'', was spotted a day later from a '''Mexican Navy''' plane, overturned about {{Convert|133|mi|km|abbr=on}} northeast of '''Progreso''' with one man on top. The plane was unable to rescue the man, and pilots called for a '''Defender-class patrol boat''' from the Mexican Navy to come to his rescue. The man's brother, who was on the search plane, said he saw him slide off the boat and into the water face first, sinking before the rescue boat arrived. The Mexican Navy has not confirmed this account. On October 11, the last missing fishing boat, ''Halcón I'', was spotted by the Mexican Navy, capsized with no crew members on board.

===Cuba===
As Milton neared Cuba, its rainbands caused flooding, with the first reports in '''Surgidero de Batabanó'''. In '''Havana Bay''', deteriorating weather conditions from Milton caused officials to suspend ferry services on October&nbsp;8. The '''Institute of Meteorology''' (INSMET) reported that Western Cuba experienced winds of 25–30&nbsp;mph (40–48&nbsp;km/h) and maximum gusts in '''Casablanca, Havana''', of 50&nbsp;mph (80&nbsp;km/h).

===United States ===
Initial estimates by '''Fitch Ratings''' said that Milton caused US$50&nbsp;billion in damage. Based upon initial estimates of insured losses, Fitch projected that most '''reinsurance''' attachment points would likely be met so that most insurances losses would not be borne by primary insurers. A later estimate by CoreLogic stated that Milton caused US$21–34&nbsp;billion in damage. However, '''Moody’s Analytics''' released a much higher cost, at US$85&nbsp;billion. The NCEI estimate released in January 2025 placed the total cost at US$34.3 billion. The final result for damage totals were estimated at US$34.6 billion. 

==== Florida====
[[File:Tropicana Field roof damage.jpg|thumb|Damage to '''Tropicana Field''''s roof in '''St. Petersburg''']]
Sustained winds to hurricane-force were recorded along Florida's peninsular coast. In '''Venice''', sustained winds reached {{convert|92|mph|kph|abbr=on}} with gusts to {{convert|107|mph|kph|abbr=on}}. Gusts reached {{convert|107|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in '''Sarasota'''. In '''Marineland''', sustained winds reached {{convert|83|mph|kph|abbr=on}} with gusts to {{convert|92|mph|kph|abbr=on}}. In '''Daytona Beach''', sustained winds reached {{convert|60|mph|kph|abbr=on}} with gusts reaching {{convert|87|mph|kph|abbr=on}}. Gusts reached {{convert|99|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in '''Ponce Inlet''', {{convert|92|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in '''West Palm Beach''' and {{convert|86|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in '''Orlando'''.

Heavy rain also occurred in the state, with over {{convert|13|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain in '''Plant City''' and nearly {{convert|19|in|mm|abbr=on}} in '''St. Petersburg''', including {{convert|5.09|in|mm|abbr=on}} in a single hour. In '''Tampa''', nearly {{convert|12|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell, which pushed the city to its wettest year on record. Further east, rainfall totals exceeded {{convert|12|in|mm|abbr=on}} in portions of '''Volusia County''', and {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} in '''Indian River County''', with {{convert|12.92|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain in '''Vero Beach'''. Rainfall totals in '''Flagler County''' were lower, but {{convert|5.61|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain was still recorded in '''Flagler Beach'''. A storm surge of 5&nbsp;ft (1.52 m) to 10&nbsp;ft (3.04 m) was recorded from Naples to Siesta Key, including Charlotte Harbor. Water levels rose over {{convert|8|ft|m|abbr=on}} near Sarasota. Naples saw a storm surge of {{convert|5.75|feet|meters|abbr=on}}. On the other side of the state, Daytona experienced a storm surge peak between 4&nbsp;ft (1.2 m) to 4.5&nbsp;ft (1.37 m). The Hillsborough River crested at nearly 2&nbsp;ft (.61 m) over record height Friday at '''Zephyrhills'''. At the river's Morris Bridge site, it crested over 3&nbsp;ft (.94 m) above record flood stage. A reverse storm surge occurred in Tampa, however, dropping water levels by {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}}.

Seven people were killed in St. Lucie County, four in '''Volusia County''', two in '''Pinellas County''', and one each in '''Citrus''', '''Polk''', and '''Orange''' counties. One person was killed in '''Ormond Beach''' due a tree falling into a roof. A woman in her late 70s was killed by a fallen tree branch in Hillsborough County. One elderly man from '''Charlotte County''' died from smoke inhalation in a '''Bradenton''' hospital after a golf cart lithium battery exploded at his home due to storm surge flooding. Ten people were injured in '''Wellington''' by an EF3 tornado. Another EF3 tornado severely damaged two warehouses and killed six people. The '''Waffle House Index''' was raised to red in various areas throughout the state including Tampa, Lakeland, Daytona, and Naples.

[[File:Anna Maria Island wind damage.jpg|thumb|right|Damage to a home in '''Anna Maria Island''']]
'''Tropicana Field''', which had been set up to house first responders, lost a large part of its fiberglass roof as a result of wind gusts. The '''''Tampa Bay Times''''' building in downtown St. Petersburg was severely damaged when a construction crane from a nearby partially built skyscraper collapsed into it. There were no reported injuries. '''Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport''' lost the entire roof of Concourse B, which housed the airport's '''Transportation Security Administration''' (TSA) screening checkpoint and all 13 aircraft loading gate hold rooms. Multiple areas across the state experienced significant flooding including parts of Orlando, '''Saint Johns''', and throughout Hillsborough County. Rescuers saved 565 people from a Clearwater apartment complex where flooding was neck-deep in some places. Across the state, about 125 homes were destroyed before Milton made landfall, and more than 3&nbsp;million homes and buildings were left without power. '''Hillsborough County''' saw the most power outages, with around 500,000 customers losing power. Nearly 1,000 people and 105 animals were rescued as of October 10. A sinkhole opened up in Hillsborough County as a result of Milton. '''US 17'''/'''92''' collapsed with a sinkhole in '''Orange City''', as well. Another sink hole opened up in '''Polk County''' which swallowed a pick up truck.

Damage in '''Volusia County''' reached $267&nbsp;million. In '''Collier County''' damage reached $280&nbsp;million. '''Key West''' saw a large decline in commercial activity as a result of Milton and the closure of the '''Port of Key West'''.

Due to the combined impacts of Helene and Milton upon '''Al Lang Stadium''' in St. Petersburg, the '''USL Championship''' team '''Tampa Bay Rowdies''' were forced to play their final two home games at '''IMG Academy''''s Soccer Complex in Bradenton.

====Tornado outbreak====
[[File:Hurricane Milton tornado.webp|thumb|An EF3 tornado in '''Fort Pierce''']]
{{Costliest U.S. Atlantic hurricanes|align=left}}
As Hurricane Milton approached '''Florida''', the '''United States''''s '''Storm Prediction Center''' (SPC) outlined a slight risk convective outlook for much of southern Florida, observing that enhanced low to mid level flow, '''dew point'''s in the mid 70s, and favorable timing with peak daytime heating would lead to a conducive environment for '''tornadogenesis''' as Milton's outer convective bands swept the area. Rainbands stretching far from the center allowed the tornado outbreak to stretch further south. The next day, an enhanced risk of severe weather was issued, for a 10% '''hatched area''' tornado risk.

At least 46&nbsp;confirmed '''tornado'''es touched down in Florida ahead of the storm, during a prolific tornado outbreak that occurred between October 8–9, focused on the '''Florida Heartland''', the '''Treasure Coast''' and the '''Space Coast'''. This became the largest single day of tornadoes in state history, surpassing '''Hurricane Irma'''. At 6&nbsp;pm, '''the National Weather Service office in Miami''', which covers much of South Florida except the '''Florida Keys''' of '''Monroe County''', reported that they had issued 55 '''tornado warning'''s, a record high in one day beating out the previous record of 37 on September 27, 2022, during '''Hurricane Ian''', and confirmed nine tornadoes on a preliminary basis. The '''NWS in Tampa Bay''' also set a record high of 29 tornado warnings in one day, beating the previous record of 23 held by both '''Tropical Storm Debby''' of '''2012''' and '''Tropical Storm Andrea''' on June 6, 2013. In total, a record 126 tornado warnings have been issued throughout the state, the second-most of any state in one day, only behind '''Alabama''' on April 27, 2011, at the height of the '''2011 Super Outbreak'''. Milton was also the first tropical cyclone to generate an '''intense''' (E/F3 or stronger) tornado in Florida since '''Agnes''' in '''1972''' and the third on record since 1950, the first occurring in '''1959'''. Milton also yielded Florida's fourth deadliest outbreak in 70&nbsp;years, behind the '''1998 Kissimmee tornado outbreak''', which killed 42; the '''March&nbsp;31, 1962''', outbreak, which killed 17; and the Hurricane Agnes outbreak, which killed seven.

[[File:EF3 damage in Wellington, Florida, along Deer Path Lane, in October 2024.jpg|thumb|EF3 tornado damage in a '''Wellington''' neighborhood]]
The outbreak first started late on October 8 with an EF1 tornado striking the west side of '''Key West'''. The next day, 45 tornadoes touched down during the morning and afternoon as lines and clusters of supercells impacted '''South''' and '''Central'''. Two EFU tornadoes moved across '''I-75''' in the Everglades with no serious damage noted. Later, an EF1 tornado caused damage in the Sky Valley neighborhood of '''Clewiston'''. A high-end EF2 tornado impacted the western part of '''Fort Myers''' before crossing the '''Caloosahatchee River''' and striking '''North Fort Myers''', causing extensive damage to homes and knocking down numerous trees in the area. An EF3 tornado, the strongest recorded tornado in southwest Florida's history, struck a neighborhood in the area of '''Lakeport''' in '''Glades County''', destroying 39 homes, before weakening and causing minor damage in '''Brighton Reservation'''. A solar farm in '''Lake Placid''' was struck by a tornado, decreasing electricity production.

Clusters of supercells then passed west of the '''Miami metropolitan area''' and struck the Treasure Coast, producing several tornadoes. Another EF3 tornado struck a mobile home in Wellington before weakening and traveling northward where it then restrengthened to EF3 intensity and damaged a shopping and residential area in western '''Palm Beach Gardens''' before weakening again and eventually dissipating in the area of '''Jupiter Farms'''. The most devastating tornado was another low-end EF3 tornado that heavily damaged or destroyed multiple mobile home parks near '''Fort Pierce'''. The most severe damage was in the Spanish Lakes community, where over 20 mobile homes were destroyed or flipped, killing six people. The tornado then impacted '''Vero Beach''', where more homes and businesses were damaged before the tornado moved offshore. During the tornado, many lives were reportedly saved on Winter Garden Parkway, as a woman began honking her horn to alert others of the tornadoes. In addition to the fatalities, over 25 people required rescue during the tornado. This became the deadliest tornado spawned by a tropical cyclone in history, tied with '''an F2 tornado''' that also killed six&nbsp;during '''Hurricane Agnes''' in 1972. A total of nine tornadoes struck the county, including three in the span of 25 minutes. In all, at least nine tornadoes impacted the Treasure Coast. The final tornado was an EF1 tornado in '''Cocoa Beach''' that ripped off the roof of a '''Wells Fargo''' bank.

Following the tornadoes, the National Guard coordinated with local law enforcement and first responders to conduct rescue missions, provide immediate assistance, and clear debris from vital roads. Additionally, Local organizations, citizen groups, churches, and individual volunteers helped with tornado relief efforts, providing supplies, temporary housing, and emotional support. Among the coordinated efforts, '''WPTV-TV''' partnered with several local businesses in '''St. Lucie''', '''Martin''', and '''Palm Beach''' counties to fundraise for tornado victims.

====Elsewhere====
Wind gusts in '''Savannah, Georgia''', peaked at {{convert|22|mph|kph|abbr=on}}. In '''Tybee Island''', impacts were less than expected; however, the beaches remained closed due to rip currents. In '''South Carolina''', wind gusts reached {{convert|40|mph|kph|abbr=on}} in '''Hilton Head Airport''' and '''Charleston Harbor''', but impacts were also less than anticipated.

===The Bahamas===
Bimini and '''West Grand Bahama''' experienced winds of around {{Convert|15–20|mph|km/h}} and waves of {{Convert|2-4|ft|m}}. Power and water outages occurred on a few islands. Localized flooding also occurred. '''Grand Bahama''' and '''Abaco''' experienced coastal floodings and strong gusts. Aarone Sargeant, the managing director of The Bahamas' '''Disaster Risk Management Authority''', stated that there were no reports of injuries or significant damage, with only minor damage occurring in the country.

==Aftermath==
[[File:Debris Staging Area Milton.jpg|thumb|A debris staging area in '''Holmes Beach''' on October 19, 2024]]
'''Amtrak''' again modified their '''''Silver Service''''' routes between October 13 and 15 due to residual impacts after the storm. Most tolls in Florida were re-instated on October 14, although exceptions were made for Orlando and Tampa.

Following the storm, many businesses and private citizens donated to relief efforts. '''Taylor Swift''' donated $5&nbsp;million to help with combined relief from Milton and '''Hurricane Helene''', with '''Walmart''' donating $16&nbsp;million. On October&nbsp;12, '''Joe Biden''' issued a disaster declaration for the state. By October&nbsp;13, over 250,000 Floridians registered for help, which was the most in a day in national history. There has also been mention that other celebrities have made contributions, such as '''Dolly Parton''', '''Morgan Wallen''', '''Blake Lively''', '''Tom Brady''' and '''Metallica'''. The '''Baltimore Orioles''' also donated at least $250,000 to Hurricane Milton relief efforts.

Widespread fuel shortages occurred at gas stations after the storm. Governor '''Ron DeSantis''' opened up three fuel sites where residents could get ten gallons of fuel as a result. Much of '''Cumberland Island National Seashore''' re-opened on October 12, although several trails in the northern segments of the park remained closed for damage assessments. '''Canaveral National Seashore''' was also closed following the storm, with re-opening beginning on October 19.

[[File:President Joe Biden greets first responders after participating in a briefing on Hurricane Milton recovery efforts (54068598107).jpg|thumb|President Joe Biden greets first responders in '''St. Pete Beach''' on October 13, 2024]]On October 13, Joe Biden flew to '''MacDill Air Force Base''' aboard '''Air Force One''' where he then boarded '''Marine One''' and embarked on an aerial tour of St. Petersburg before landing at '''Albert Whitted Airport'''. Biden met with state and local officials such as Senator '''Rick Scott''', Representative '''Anna Paulina Luna''', and Pinellas County Sheriff '''Bob Gualtieri'''. Biden then departed the airport in a motorcade and traveled to '''St. Pete Beach''' where he met residents and first responders before giving a speech about the recovery efforts. During the speech, Biden announced $612&nbsp;million for six '''Department of Energy''' projects to improve the resilience of electric grids in areas affected by hurricanes, which included $94&nbsp;million for two projects in Florida.

The Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSOE), in an October&nbsp;15 letter addressed to '''Florida Secretary of State''' '''Cord Byrd''' and Division of Elections Director Maria Matthews, requested a lessening of election and voting restrictions in Collier, Glades, Highlands, Indian River, Manatee, Orange, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and St. Lucie counties. Among the requests included extensions to early voting and to the deadlines for mail-in ballot delivery, notification of the location of mail-in ballot drop boxes, and the appointment of poll workers. FSOE also asked if requirements could be waived for the relocation of polling places and to authorize "immediate family members of first responders, line workers and relief workers to request mail-in ballots on their behalf", according to '''''Florida Politics'''''.

Florida saw a rise in cases of '''''Vibrio vulnificus''''', a flesh-eating bacteria that favors warm waters and spreads in heavy flood rains, following Hurricane Milton, with cleanup efforts from Hurricane Helene happening concurrently. There were 38 confirmed cases in October after Milton. Milton and Helene left behind '''standing water''', causing an outbreak in '''dengue fever'''.

As happened following Hurricane Helene, misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding Milton and the post-storm government response began spreading over social media.

===FEMA response controversy===
FEMA came under criticism in early November, when a '''whistleblower''''s report revealed that FEMA supervisor Marn'i Washington instructed team members that it was "best practice" to skip Trump-supporting homes as they canvassed Florida neighborhoods, determining who needed assistance following the hurricane. FEMA workers skipped at least 20 homes in '''Lake Placid''' with Trump signs or flags. FEMA responded by stating it was "deeply disturbed by this employee's actions" and claimed that the agency works to "help all survivors regardless of their political preference or affiliation." Washington was fired for her actions. Following a state investigation of the matter, '''Florida Attorney General''' '''Ashley Moody''' filed a discrimination lawsuit on November&nbsp;14 against FEMA for '''conspiring to violate''' the '''civil rights''' of Florida residents in the response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.