Even weeks after the storm passed, many people are still asking, “Where Did The Hurricane Hit In Florida?” Hurricane Milton, a significant storm in the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, impacted Florida in October. For those seeking clarity on its landfall and path, here’s a breakdown of where Hurricane Milton made its presence felt in the Sunshine State.
Hurricane season remains an active period, and understanding the specifics of each storm is crucial for residents and those interested in weather patterns. As we monitor potential future storms, let’s revisit the details of Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida.
Hurricane Milton Landfall Location in Florida
Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast near Siesta Key at 8:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Siesta Key is located approximately 5 miles west of Sarasota. At the point of landfall, Hurricane Milton was classified as a Category 3 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. This made it a significant weather event for the region.
Hurricane Milton’s Path Across Florida
Following its landfall on the west coast, Hurricane Milton traversed Central Florida. The storm moved eastward across the state and emerged into the Atlantic Ocean northeast of Cape Canaveral at approximately 5 a.m. EDT on Thursday, October 10. Remarkably, even after crossing the entire Florida peninsula, Hurricane Milton maintained its hurricane status, with sustained winds still reaching 85 mph as it moved offshore.
Aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Sarasota, Florida, showing floodwaters and debris.
Tornadoes Spawned by Hurricane Milton in Florida
One of the most devastating aspects of Hurricane Milton was the record number of tornadoes it spawned across Florida. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service confirmed that Hurricane Milton generated at least 41 tornadoes. Among these were three rare and powerful EF3 tornadoes, packing peak winds between 140 to 155 mph. The final count of tornadoes could potentially rise as damage surveys are completed.
Tragically, one tornado caused significant casualties, resulting in the death of six people in St. Lucie County. The EF3 tornadoes impacted several counties including Palm Beach, Glades, St. Lucie, and Indian River, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Tornado damage in Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, Florida, caused by Hurricane Milton, with debris and damaged homes visible.
Hurricane Milton’s Intensity Before Florida Landfall
Prior to making landfall, Hurricane Milton reached an even more formidable strength. It intensified into a Category 5 hurricane, with winds peaking at 180 mph around 8 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 7. However, as it approached Florida, increased wind shear caused it to weaken somewhat before it eventually made landfall two days later.
Despite the weakening before landfall, the impacts across east Central Florida were considerable. A significant tornado outbreak produced at least 19 confirmed tornadoes and hurricane-force wind gusts that led to downed trees and power lines, causing damage to numerous homes and businesses. Furthermore, the northern side of Hurricane Milton brought torrential rainfall, with accumulations of 10 to 15 inches and even higher in some areas. St. Petersburg, for instance, recorded an astounding 20.40 inches of rain, leading to localized flooding and rises in rivers and creeks. Storm surge flooding also inflicted severe damage in areas south of the storm’s eye landfall location.
Milton Part of a Trio of Hurricanes Hitting Florida in 2024
Adding to the year’s severe weather, Hurricane Milton was one of three hurricanes to make landfall in Florida in 2024. This ties a record for the number of hurricane landfalls in Florida in a single year, previously set in five other years. The other hurricanes that made landfall in Florida in 2024 include:
- Hurricane Debby: Landfall near Steinhatchee at 7 a.m. EDT on August 5 as a Category 1 hurricane with 80 mph winds.
- Hurricane Helene: Landfall near Perry at 11:25 p.m. EDT on September 26 as a Category 4 hurricane with 140 mph winds.
Contributors: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today; Kim Miller, Palm Beach Post
