Florida: Fire Chief warned, ''If you stay here, you will die''

Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread destruction and flooding. The storm made landfall south of Tampa, with powerful winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes battering cities across the state.

More than 3 million homes and businesses lost power, and multiple deaths have been reported, though officials have yet to confirm the exact number. The storm also ripped through St. Petersburg, causing severe flooding and damaging the roof of Tropicana Field.

Treasure Island Fire Chief Trip Barrs delivered a stark warning ahead of the storm: "If you stay here… you will die." His message echoed the urgency from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, as authorities urged people in evacuation zones to leave immediately.

Milton brought tornadoes and flooding even before making landfall, with several homes destroyed and lives lost across the state. Though the storm has weakened to a Category 1 and is now moving into the Atlantic, officials warn that dangers like storm surges and debris remain.

Cleanup efforts will be complicated by the lingering damage from Hurricane Helene just weeks ago, leaving Florida facing a long road to recovery.

According to the latest reports, hurricane Milton has caused severe destruction across Florida, leaving at least 25 people dead and more than 3 million without power. Winds reached up to 107 mph near Venice, and St. Petersburg recorded over 16 inches of rain, triggering widespread flooding. The storm tore through the state, hitting Siesta Key before moving east.

#BREAKING ‼️‼️

A devastating force hit Florida. Hurricane #Milton and its power !#miltonhurricane #Florida #Tampa #Huracan #HurricanMilton pic.twitter.com/Vb83zxCWLY

— Short Reports (@ShortReportOnX) October 10, 2024