Hurricane Milton struck Florida’s Gulf Coast last night, tearing through the state with powerful winds, torrential rain, and tornadoes, leaving hundreds of thousands without power. The Category 3 storm is the second to hit the region in less than two weeks, damaging homes and felling trees across its path. Cities far from the hurricane's eye also suffered from severe weather as it battered the state for much of the day.
Residents of Tampa, where the storm made landfall, hurried to evacuate as officials warned that time was running out. Shelters across Florida filled with evacuees, many carrying sleeping bags, pets, and personal belongings. President Biden assured full federal support, but misinformation spreading online has hampered relief efforts.