LIVE COVERAGE: Hurricane Milton makes landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm
Continuous coverage of Hurricane Milton from Gray Media stations directly impacted by the storm
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) – Hurricane Milton charged through the Gulf of Mexico, making landfall as a Category 3 storm on Florida’s coastline late Wednesday night after spending much of Tuesday as a Category 5 system.
At the time of landfall, which was at approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, maximum sustained winds were measured at 120 mph near Siesta Key.
State officials urged residents who did not evacuate to shelter in place because odds of survival are bleak for those who were determined to stay.
“We are bracing,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a press conference. “It’s going to bring a lot of ferocity, a lot of damage.”
Officials warned that the storm surge could exceed 12 feet in some areas depending on where Hurricane Milton makes landfall.
Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Hurricane Milton brought bands of heavy rain, gusting winds and waves of tornadoes throughout Florida.
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