Hurricane Milton#Florida

{{storm path|Milton 2024 path.png|colors=new}}

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) first outlined an area for possible development in the western Caribbean Sea on September 26.{{Cite report |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409262052&basin=atl&fdays=7 |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |last1=Zelinsky |first1=David |last2=Bookbinder |first2=Paula |date=September 26, 2024 |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |access-date=October 5, 2024 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007010300/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409262052&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live }} A broad area of low pressure formed in the western Caribbean, producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms{{Cite report |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |date=September 29, 2024 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409291438&basin=atl&fdays=7 |last1=Blake |first1=Eric |access-date=October 5, 2024 |last2=Mahoney |first2=Aiden |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007090923/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202409291438&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live }} before degenerating into an open trough two days later.{{Cite report |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |date=October 1, 2024 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202410012055&basin=atl&fdays=7 |last1=Papin |first1=Philippe |access-date=October 5, 2024 |last2=Mora |first2=Cassie |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101227/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202410012055&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live }} The disturbance then interacted with the remnants of an unnamed tropical storm in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and a stationary front,{{cite news |last1=Masters |first1=Jeff |title=Watching the Gulf of Mexico for tropical storm formation |url=https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/10/watching-the-gulf-of-mexico-for-tropical-storm-formation/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |publisher=Yale Climate Connections |date=October 4, 2024 |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004164544/https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2024/10/watching-the-gulf-of-mexico-for-tropical-storm-formation/ |url-status=live }} and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche. By October 4,{{Cite report |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |date=October 4, 2024 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202410050238&basin=atl&fdays=7 |last1=Cangialosi |first1=John |access-date=October 5, 2024 |last2=Bucci |first2=Lisa |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005181336/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202410050238&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live }} showing more signs of development, it was designated Invest 92L. The next day, as associated showers and thunderstorms organized further,{{Cite report |title=Seven-Day Graphical Tropical Outlook |date=October 5, 2024 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202410051141&basin=atl&fdays=7 |last1=Kelly |access-date=October 5, 2024 |last2=Bucci |first2=Lisa |publisher=National Hurricane Center |location=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007100110/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/xgtwo/gtwo_archive.php?current_issuance=202410051141&basin=atl&fdays=7 |url-status=live }} the NHC upgraded it to Tropical Depression Fourteen,{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.001.shtml?|title=Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number 1|last=Brown|first=Daniel|date=October 5, 2024|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=October 5, 2024|archive-date=October 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005151826/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.001.shtml|url-status=live}} then to Tropical Storm Milton less than three hours later as satellite wind data indicated the storm was producing gale-force winds.{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10051725.shtml?|title=Tropical Storm Milton Update Statement|last1=Brown|first1=Daniel|last2=Kelly|date=October 5, 2024|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=October 5, 2024|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007002451/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10051725.shtml|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |last=Cangialosi |first=John |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Tropical Storm Milton Discussion Number 3 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.003.shtml? |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006203621/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.003.shtml |url-status=live }} Spiral banding and consistent bursts of convection continued through the early morning of October 6.{{cite web |last=Beven |first=Jack |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Tropical Storm Milton Discussion Number 4 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.004.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007174710/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.004.shtml |url-status=live }}

{{Most intense Atlantic hurricanes}}

By the afternoon of October 6, Hurricane Hunters had found that Milton had intensified into a hurricane, with an intermittent eye feature.{{cite web |last=Blake |first=Eric |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 6 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.006.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007173054/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.006.shtml |url-status=live }} 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}},{{cite web |last=Beven |first=Jack |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 8 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.008.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007132030/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.008.shtml |url-status=live }} with Milton becoming a major hurricane and soon after a Category 5 hurricane, by 11:00 UTC and 16:00 UTC respectively on October 7,{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10071100.shtml?|title=Hurricane Milton Update Statement|last1=Brown|first1=Daniel|last2=Blake|first2=Eric|date=October 7, 2024|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=October 7, 2024|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007121632/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10071100.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite report|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10071558.shtml?|title=Milton rapidly intensifies into a Category 5 hurricane|last1=Blake|first1=Eric|last2=Brown|first2=Daniel|date=October 7, 2024|publisher=National Hurricane Center|location=Miami, Florida|access-date=October 7, 2024|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007160831/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10071558.shtml|url-status=live}} making it the second Category 5 hurricane of the season. Milton reached its peak intensity at 20:00 UTC that day with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of {{convert|895|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, the most intense since Wilma in 2005, and tied with Hurricane Rita as the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record.{{cite web |last1=Pasch |first1=Richard |last2=Papin |first2=Philippe |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 11A |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.011.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008030834/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.011.shtml |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Pasch |first1=Richard |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 12 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.012.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200356/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.012.shtml? |url-status=live }} In the 17-hour period from 03:00 UTC to 20:00 UTC October 7, the pressure fell from {{convert|977|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} to {{convert|895|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, a drop of {{convert|82|mb|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}, while the winds increased by {{convert|90|mph|km/h|abbr=on|round=5}} in the same time period. This was also the third-fastest period of rapid intensification in the Atlantic after Wilma and Hurricane Felix, and the fastest in the Gulf of Mexico.{{Cite web |last=Holpuch |first=Amanda |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Here's How Fast Hurricane Milton Intensified |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/weather/hurricane-milton-intensity-speed.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=The New York Times |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007221854/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/weather/hurricane-milton-intensity-speed.html |url-status=live }}

File:Selected wind observations and best track maximum sustained surface wind speed curve for Hurricane Milton.png

After peaking in intensity, further strengthening was halted by an eyewall replacement cycle, causing the storm to weaken to Category 4 intensity later that night,{{Cite web |last=Cangialosi |first=John |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 12A |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.012.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008144331/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.012.shtml |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Robbie |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 13A |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.013.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008161339/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.013.shtml? |url-status=live }} but a larger eye became increasingly well-defined, and Milton re-achieved Category 5 intensity by the afternoon of October 8,{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Robbie |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 15 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.015.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008215227/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.015.shtml? |url-status=live }} by which time the hurricane had undergone a second round of rapid deepening to a secondary peak with winds of 165 mph (270 km/h) and a pressure of {{convert|902|mbar|inHg|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} at 00:00 UTC on October 9.{{Cite web |last=Pasch |first=Richard |title=Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 15A |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.015.shtml? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009140350/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.015.shtml |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center}} By this time, it began to turn towards the northeast and accelerate from the trough steering it towards Florida. The next day, October 9, increasing wind shear began to affect Milton, and the storm fell below Category 5 intensity early that morning.{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Robbie |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 17A |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.017.shtml? |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Robbie |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 18 |url= https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.discus.018.shtml? |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida}} Milton made landfall at about 00:30 UTC on October 10 (8:30 p.m. local time on October 9) near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane with winds of {{convert|115|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}}. Milton quickly weakened over land and emerged over the Atlantic Ocean as a Category 1 hurricane while also becoming increasingly entangled within a nearby frontal boundary.{{Cite web |last1=Bucci |first1=Lisa |last2=Mahoney |first2=Aidan |last3=Cangialosi |first3=John |last4=Sardi |first4=Matt |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Tropical Cyclone Update |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10100457.shtml? |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |place=Miami, Florida}} On the afternoon of October 10, it transitioned to a hurricane-force extratropical low;{{Cite web |last=Berg|first=Robbie|date=October 10, 2024 |title=Post-Tropical Cyclone Milton Intermediate Advisory Number 22A |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public_a.022.shtml? |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |place=Miami, Florida}} and proceeded to gradually spin down and become increasingly diffuse as it passed near Bermuda, dissipating early on October 12.

File:Hurricane milton SPoRT 20241006.jpg

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.{{cite web |access-date=October 17, 2024 |title=Analysis: Ocean temperatures warmed by climate change provided fuel for Hurricane Milton's extreme rapid intensification |url=https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-shift-index-alert/hurricane-milton-october-2024 |website=Climate Central |date=October 7, 2024}} 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".{{cite web |title=Yet another hurricane wetter, windier and more destructive because of climate change |url=https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/yet-another-hurricane-wetter-windier-and-more-destructive-because-of-climate-change/ |website=World Weather Attribution |access-date=October 16, 2024}}

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 on October 8]]

On October 6, 2024, the Mexican government issued a tropical storm watch for the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, from Celestún to Cancún.{{Cite web |last1=Tabachnick |first1=Cara |last2=Tanyos |first2=Faris |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Tropical Storm Milton forecast to strengthen into hurricane, on path toward Florida |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-milton-forms-gulf-of-mexico-florida/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006073655/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tropical-storm-milton-forms-gulf-of-mexico-florida/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Cangialosi |first=John |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Tropical Storm Milton Forecast Discussion |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.003.shtml? |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006225503/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.003.shtml |url-status=live }} The watch was upgraded to tropical storm warnings and hurricane watches{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Eric |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Tropical Storm Milton Discussion Number 5 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT4+shtml/061458.shtml |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006172355/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCDAT4+shtml/061458.shtml |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Eric |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 6 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/062052.shtml? |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006205609/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/062052.shtml |url-status=live }} later in the day, then hurricane warnings the following day.{{Cite web |last1=Andone |first1=Dakin |last2=Chinchar |first2=Allison |last3=Faheid |first3=Dalia |date=October 6, 2024 |title='Here we go again': Hurricane Milton strengthens to Category 3 and aims at Helene-weary Florida |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/weather/tropical-storm-milton-florida-sunday/index.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007114802/https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/06/weather/tropical-storm-milton-florida-sunday/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Beven |first=Jack |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Advisory Number 8 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.008.shtml? |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |publication-place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102209/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.008.shtml |url-status=live }} Some 2,711 people voluntarily evacuated from Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama reported.{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Monstrous Milton forces the evacuation of thousands as it passes the Yucatan Peninsula |url=https://riviera-maya-news.com/monstrous-milton-forces-the-evacuation-of-thousands-as-it-passes-the-yucatan-peninsula/2024.html |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Riviera Maya News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008165200/https://riviera-maya-news.com/monstrous-milton-forces-the-evacuation-of-thousands-as-it-passes-the-yucatan-peninsula/2024.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Quintana Roo island evacuations begin as Milton intensifies into a category 5 with 330 km/h gusts |url=https://riviera-maya-news.com/quintana-roo-island-evacuations-begin-as-milton-intensifies-into-a-category-5-with-330-km-h-gusts/2024.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200358/https://riviera-maya-news.com/quintana-roo-island-evacuations-begin-as-milton-intensifies-into-a-category-5-with-330-km-h-gusts/2024.html |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Riviera Maya News |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Huracán Milton: Alerta Verde en 4 municipios de Campeche |url=https://www.poresto.net/campeche/2024/10/6/huracan-milton-alerta-verde-en-4-municipios-de-campeche.html |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Por Esto! |language=spanish |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007101725/https://www.poresto.net/campeche/2024/10/6/huracan-milton-alerta-verde-en-4-municipios-de-campeche.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Reportan COMPRAS DE PÁNICO en supermercados de Mérida por la amenaza del Huracán Milton |url=https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/reportan-compras-de-panico-en-supermercados-de-merida-por-la-amenaza-del-huracan-milton |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Azteca Yucatán |language=es |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007214436/https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/reportan-compras-de-panico-en-supermercados-de-merida-por-la-amenaza-del-huracan-milton |url-status=live }} Non-essential government services, including public transportation, were suspended in parts of Yucatán as Milton rapidly intensified on October 7.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Declaran de ÚLTIMO MOMENTO suspensión de actividades en Yucatán por Huracán Milton |url=https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/declaran-de-ultimo-momento-suspension-de-actividades-en-yucatan-por-huracan-milton |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Azteca Yucatán |language=es |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007212640/https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/declaran-de-ultimo-momento-suspension-de-actividades-en-yucatan-por-huracan-milton |url-status=live }} Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena ordered the closure of all schools and ports in Yucatán.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Progreso, Mérida on hurricane watch as 'Milton' whips across the Gulf of Mexico |url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/progreso-merida-hurricane-watch-milton-yucatan/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Mexico News Daily |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008020913/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/progreso-merida-hurricane-watch-milton-yucatan/ |url-status=live }}

File:Interstate 4 Hurricane Milton evacuation ESU.jpg (left shoulder only) on eastbound I-4 near Lakeland on October 7]]

On October 5, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency.{{Cite web |last=Petro |first=Allison |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Gov. DeSantis issues executive order ahead of Tropical Storm Milton's landfall in Florida |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/desantis-issues-executive-order-state-of-emergency-milton-florida/62519201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007014600/https://www.wesh.com/article/desantis-issues-executive-order-state-of-emergency-milton-florida/62519201 |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |publisher=WESH |language=en}} 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 Guardsmen working on debris removal from 800 to 4,000 to keep debris becoming a hazard in Milton's high winds.{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Regina |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Tampa looking for help in cleaning up debris from Helene ahead of Milton |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/tampa-looking-help-cleaning-up-debris-from-helene-ahead-milton |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006220923/https://www.fox13news.com/news/tampa-looking-help-cleaning-up-debris-from-helene-ahead-milton |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=WTVT}}{{Cite web |title=EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-214 |url=https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EO-24-214.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091126/https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/EO-24-214.pdf |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Governor Ron DeSantis's Office}} Dump trucks were deployed to help remove mounds of debris.{{Cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Octavio |last2=Chavez |first2=Julio-cesar |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Monstrous Hurricane Milton targets Florida, triggering evacuations from storm-weary coast |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/monster-hurricane-milton-threatens-an-already-battered-florida-2024-10-08/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008143657/https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/monster-hurricane-milton-threatens-an-already-battered-florida-2024-10-08/ |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Reuters}} Sandbagging sites opened across the state.{{Cite web |last=Sudhir |first=Leah |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Central Florida opens sandbag locations ahead of potential tropical weather |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/edgewater-florida-sandbag-locations-heavy-rain-event/62514161 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005220154/https://www.wesh.com/article/edgewater-florida-sandbag-locations-heavy-rain-event/62514161 |archive-date=October 5, 2024 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |publisher=WESH |language=en}}

Two days later, hurricane and tropical storm warnings were declared for the Florida West Coast,{{Cite web |last=Tribou |first=Richard |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton a 'ferocious' Category 5 storm with 180 mph winds, forecast to turn toward Florida |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/10/07/intensifying-hurricane-milton-now-category-2-prompts-florida-storm-surge-warnings-hurricane-watches/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Orlando Sentinel |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007211725/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/10/07/intensifying-hurricane-milton-now-category-2-prompts-florida-storm-surge-warnings-hurricane-watches/ |url-status=live }} nearly 15 million people across Florida were under flood watches, and President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state.{{cite news|title=Biden approves emergency declaration for Florida|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/live-blog/hurricane-milton-live-updates-rcna174253/rcrd58865?canonicalCard=true|publisher=NBC News|date=October 7, 2024|access-date=October 7, 2024|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007164733/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/live-blog/hurricane-milton-live-updates-rcna174253/rcrd58865?canonicalCard=true|url-status=live}} DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to coordinate resources.{{Cite web |date=October 6, 2024 |title=Tropical Storm Milton could hit Florida as a major hurricane midweek |url=https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/tropical-storm-milton-could-hit-florida-major-hurricane-midweek |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Loop Caribbean News |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200447/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/tropical-storm-milton-could-hit-florida-major-hurricane-midweek |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Storm Information |url=https://www.fldoe.org/em-response/storm-info.stml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928001918/https://www.fldoe.org/em-response/storm-info.stml |archive-date=September 28, 2022 |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Florida Department of Education |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Petro |first=Allison |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Central Florida schools announce closures ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-schools-cancel-classes-milton-landfall/62522192 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=WESH |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007143334/https://www.wesh.com/article/florida-schools-cancel-classes-milton-landfall/62522192 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=School closures in Southwest Florida due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.nbc-2.com/article/school-closures-hurricane-milton-florida/62521397 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=WBBH-TV |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008003535/https://www.nbc-2.com/article/school-closures-hurricane-milton-florida/62521397 |url-status=live }} Rollins College evacuated campus.{{Cite web |last=Kluger |first=Paloma |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Update: College Closure and Campus Evacuation |url=https://www.thesandspur.org/hurricane-milton-update-college-closure-and-campus-evacuation/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=The Sandspur |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008021346/https://www.thesandspur.org/hurricane-milton-update-college-closure-and-campus-evacuation/ |url-status=live }} Several counties opened schools up as emergency shelters.{{Cite web |title=Marion County mandatory evacuation for mobile homes and RVs, additional shelter openings |url=https://www.ocalagazette.com/marion-county-mandatory-evacuation-for-mobile-homes-and-rvs-additional-shelter-openings/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007231355/https://www.ocalagazette.com/marion-county-mandatory-evacuation-for-mobile-homes-and-rvs-additional-shelter-openings/ |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Ocala Gazette |language=en}}

Amtrak suspended its Silver Service between Jacksonville and Miami from October 7 to 11 and canceled the Auto Train from October 8 to 10.{{Cite web |title=Amtrak Advisory: Modified service due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.amtrak.com/alert/modified-service-due-to-hurricane-milton.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=amtrak.com |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008045228/https://www.amtrak.com/alert/modified-service-due-to-hurricane-milton.html |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Florida airports close and flights are cancelled due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/airports-close-and-flights-are-cancelled-due-to-hurricane-milton/3438303/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=NBC 6 South Florida |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009004205/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/airports-close-and-flights-are-cancelled-due-to-hurricane-milton/3438303/ |url-status=live }} Thousands of flights intending to arrive or depart from Florida were canceled.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton is causing flight cancellations. Here's how Florida airports are impacted by the storm. |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/hurricane-milton-flight-cancellations-delays-florida-airports/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007162010/https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/hurricane-milton-flight-cancellations-delays-florida-airports/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Wynne |first=Sharon Kennedy |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Schools, attractions and what else is closed for Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-closure-cancelled-storm/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007153533/https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-closure-cancelled-storm/ |url-status=live }} Several cruise lines had their schedule affected due to the storm.{{Cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Eve |last2=Wichter |first2=Zach |last3=Diller |first3=Nathan |date=October 7, 2024 |title=How flights, cruises and theme parks are being impacted by Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-florida-airports-cruises-theme-parks/75554388007/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=USA Today |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008015500/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-florida-airports-cruises-theme-parks/75554388007/ |url-status=live }} The October 7 launch of Hera occurred as planned, but the launch of the Europa Clipper spacecraft was delayed.{{Cite web |last=Harwood |first=William |date=October 6, 2024 |title=FAA clears European asteroid probe for launch, but stormy weather threatens delay |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/faa-clears-european-asteroid-probe-launch-stormy-weather-threatens-delay/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007015358/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/faa-clears-european-asteroid-probe-launch-stormy-weather-threatens-delay/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Davenport |first=Justin |date=October 7, 2024 |title=ESA's Hera mission has launched to asteroid binary as Falcon 9 returns to flight |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/10/hera-launch/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=NASASpaceFlight.com |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007214649/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/10/hera-launch/ |url-status=live }} SpaceX Crew-8's return was postponed to October 13.{{Cite web |last=Plucinsky |first=Stephanie |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Crew-8 Return No Earlier Than Oct. 13 – Commercial Crew Program |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/10/07/crew-8-return-no-earlier-than-oct-13/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=NASA Blogs |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008113232/https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2024/10/07/crew-8-return-no-earlier-than-oct-13/ |url-status=live }} Brightline operations were suspended between West Palm Beach and Orlando station from October 8 to 10.{{Cite web |last=Boulandier |first=Kevin |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Brightline closes operations between West Palm Beach and Orlando ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/brightline-closes-operations-between-west-palm-beach-and-orlando-ahead-of-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=WSVN |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200400/https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/brightline-closes-operations-between-west-palm-beach-and-orlando-ahead-of-hurricane-milton/ |url-status=live }} Legoland Florida and Walt Disney World closed due to Milton.{{cite news |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Disney World joins theme park closures ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-milton-disney-world-closing/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=CBS News}}{{Cite web |last=Tapp |first=Tom |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Explodes To 180 MPH Cat. 5; Disney World Resort Closing Some Attractions As Florida Braces For "Monster" Storm – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2024/10/hurricane-milton-florida-1236108890/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200335/https://deadline.com/2024/10/hurricane-milton-florida-1236108890/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Durkee |first=Alison |title=Disney World Says Theme Parks Will Reopen Friday After Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/10/10/disney-world-says-theme-parks-will-reopen-friday-after-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Starting on October 8, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay was to close for three days.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton: Busch Gardens closes ahead of storm |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/hurricane-milton-busch-garden-closes-ahead-hurricane |access-date=October 7, 2024 |publisher=WTVT |language=en-US |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007211453/https://www.fox13news.com/news/hurricane-milton-busch-garden-closes-ahead-hurricane |url-status=live }}

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.{{Cite web |last=Speck |first=Emilee |date=October 6, 2024 |title=As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida prepares for largest evacuation since 2017's Hurricane Irma |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/milton-approachesflorida-prepares-largest-evacuation-since-2017s-hurricane-irma.amp/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |website=Fox Weather |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009044702/https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/milton-approachesflorida-prepares-largest-evacuation-since-2017s-hurricane-irma.amp |url-status=live }} Volusia and Marion counties also issued evacuation orders for homes at risk.{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Sheldon |title=Volusia County orders evacuations by 8 am. Wednesday; curfew to come |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-evacuations-to-begin-wednesday-in-volusia-county/75560702007/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200448/https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-evacuations-to-begin-wednesday-in-volusia-county/75560702007/ |url-status=live }} Throughout the Tampa Bay area, comfort stations and locations to do basic utilities that were opened due to Helene were closed due to Milton.{{cite news |last=Henkles |first=Patrick |date=October 5, 2024 |title=Hurricane Helene comfort stations closing across Tampa Bay as Milton nears Florida |url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/tropics/hillsborough-county-closing-comfort-stations-tropical-storm-milton/67-41dd0366-fa9e-40d2-8167-c18679e1ff4e |access-date=October 6, 2024 |publisher=WTSP |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200856/https://www.wtsp.com/article/weather/tropics/hillsborough-county-closing-comfort-stations-tropical-storm-milton/67-41dd0366-fa9e-40d2-8167-c18679e1ff4e |url-status=live }} In Longboat Key, officials stated that residents should evacuate from the town.{{cite news |last1=Modrick |first1=Mike |title=Fire Chief Paul Dezzi urges Longboat Key residents to 'leave as soon as you can' |url=https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/10/06/fire-chief-paul-dezzi-urges-longboat-key-residents-leave-soon-you-can/ |access-date=October 6, 2024 |publisher=ABC 7 |date=October 6, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006195506/https://www.mysuncoast.com/2024/10/06/fire-chief-paul-dezzi-urges-longboat-key-residents-leave-soon-you-can/ |url-status=live }} In coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Uber offered free rides to and from state shelters.{{Cite web |last=Watkins |first=Tyler |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Uber offering free rides to and from shelters |url=https://www.nbc-2.com/article/uber-free-rides-shelters-counties-evacuating-hurricane-milton/62536679 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=WBBH-TV |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008173412/https://www.nbc-2.com/article/uber-free-rides-shelters-counties-evacuating-hurricane-milton/62536679 |url-status=live }}

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.{{Cite web |last=Quaglia |first=Sofia |date=October 9, 2024 |title='We've used hallways, we've used bathrooms': How zoos protect animals when hurricanes hit |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241009-how-zoos-and-aquariums-protect-animals-during-hurricanes |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=BBC |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=McKay |first=Rich |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Tampa zoo animals hunkered down as Hurricane Milton nears |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/tampa-zoo-animals-hunkered-down-milton-approaches-2024-10-09/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |work=Reuters}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Chaiyabhat |first=Shaun |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Animal shelters working to rescue pets ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/rescued-pets-hurricane-milton/62548681 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=WCVB |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Cushman |first=Kyle |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Lightning's home opener postponed due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/3095779 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=TheScore |language=en}} All University of Central Florida sporting events scheduled for October 9 and 10 were canceled as well.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Milton forces NFL, NHL and other sporting events to adjust game plans |url=https://www.wsaz.com/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-forces-nfl-nhl-other-sporting-events-adjust-game-plans/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=WSAZ |date=October 8, 2024 |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008130255/https://www.wsaz.com/2024/10/07/hurricane-milton-forces-nfl-nhl-other-sporting-events-adjust-game-plans/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2024 |title=USF Football vs. Memphis Rescheduled To Saturday |url=https://gousfbulls.com/news/2024/10/8/usf-football-vs-memphis-rescheduled-to-saturday.aspx |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=USF Athletics |language=en}}

The National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers relocated to New Orleans ahead of their game against the New Orleans Saints on October 13.{{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Charean |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bucs-and-their-families-relocate-to-new-orleans-in-wake-of-hurricane-milton |title=Bucs and their families relocate to New Orleans in wake of Hurricane Milton |website=NBC Sports |date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024}} 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.{{Cite news |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Publix, Walmart, close stores across Florida ahead of Milton |url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/weather/2024/10/08/stores-close-across-central-florida-ahead-of-milton |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Spectrum News 13 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009122652/https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/weather/2024/10/08/stores-close-across-central-florida-ahead-of-milton |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Genovese |first=Daniella |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Some Florida store shelves nearly empty as Milton barrels toward coast |url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/some-florida-store-shelves-nearly-empty-milton-barrels-toward-coast |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Fox Business |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008215018/https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/some-florida-store-shelves-nearly-empty-milton-barrels-toward-coast |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite news |last1=Isidore |first1=Chris |last2=Egan |first2=Matt |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Nearly 1,500 Florida gas stations have run out of fuel. Hurricane Milton could cause even more trouble |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/08/business/hurricane-milton-florida-gasoline-shortages/index.html |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008155529/https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/08/business/hurricane-milton-florida-gasoline-shortages/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Daley |first1=Haven |last2=McGill |first2=Kevin |date=October 8, 2024 |title=The hunt for gasoline is adding to Floridians' anxiety as Milton nears |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-milton-gasoline-lines-stations-22cd2e163f13b1a898692822115dd7a6 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Associated Press News |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009015549/https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-milton-gasoline-lines-stations-22cd2e163f13b1a898692822115dd7a6 |url-status=live }} Thirty-three Waffle House locations in Milton's projected path were closed, indicating a red level on the Waffle House Index.{{Cite web |last=Encinas |first=Amaris |date=October 8, 2024 |title='Out of harm's way': Dozens of Florida Waffle Houses close ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/08/waffle-house-closures-hurricane-milton/75574021007/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=USA Today |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009003351/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/08/waffle-house-closures-hurricane-milton/75574021007/ |url-status=live }}

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".{{Cite news |last=Bogan |first=Ray |date=October 8, 2024 |title=FEMA experiencing severe staffing shortage ahead of Milton: Report |url=https://san.com/cc/fema-experiencing-severe-staffing-shortage-ahead-of-milton-report/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=Straight Arrow News |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200856/https://san.com/cc/fema-experiencing-severe-staffing-shortage-ahead-of-milton-report/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite news |last=Flavelle |first=Christopher |date=October 7, 2024 |title=As Major Hurricane Approaches Florida, FEMA Faces Severe Staffing Shortage |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/climate/hurricane-milton-fema-staff-shortage.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Qk4.iTVB.HfdYSPpVFMYt&smid=url-share |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200857/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/climate/hurricane-milton-fema-staff-shortage.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Qk4.iTVB.HfdYSPpVFMYt&smid=url-share |url-status=live }} Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre ended a briefing, accusing journalists of spreading misinformation related to disaster funding.{{Cite news |last1=Holmes |first1=Oliver |last2=Helmore |first2=Edward |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Floridians warned 'you are going to die' if they don't evacuate as Milton nears |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/08/us-florida-mexico-hurricane-milton-tampa-bay-storm |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200922/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/08/us-florida-mexico-hurricane-milton-tampa-bay-storm |url-status=live }}

There were casualties involved as a result of evacuating: one fatality occurred after a car accident in Marion County southeast of Orange Lake,{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Austin L. |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Woman killed in NW Marion County vehicle crash was evacuating ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/accident/2024/10/08/woman-evacuating-for-hurricane-milton-dies-in-nw-marion-car-crash/75567386007/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Ocala StarBanner |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008193251/https://www.ocala.com/story/news/accident/2024/10/08/woman-evacuating-for-hurricane-milton-dies-in-nw-marion-car-crash/75567386007/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Prator |first=Jack |date=October 8, 2024 |title=3 injured in plane crash into bay after takeoff from Albert Whitted |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/breaking-news/2024/10/08/plane-crash-tampa-bay-albert-whitted-milton/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}} In addition, two people died on eastbound SR 82 while evacuating.{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez|first=Tomas|date=October 9, 2024 |title=Two killed in Immokalee crash Tuesday as evacuations began ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2024/10/09/fhp-two-killed-in-immokalee-crash-ahead-of-hurricane-milton/75584070007/|access-date=October 10, 2024|language=en}}

Coastal Georgia was placed under a tropical storm warning.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Dylan |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton's impact on the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2024/10/09/hurricane-miltons-impact-coastal-empire-lowcountry/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=WTOC |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Atlanta Motor Speedway opening campgrounds for Milton evacuees |url=https://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/media/news/atlanta-motor-speedway-opening-campgrounds-for-milton-evacuees.html |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Atlanta Motor Speedway |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008033556/https://www.atlantamotorspeedway.com/media/news/atlanta-motor-speedway-opening-campgrounds-for-milton-evacuees.html |url-status=live }}

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.{{Cite web |title=2024 Executive Orders |url=https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Office of the Governor |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007102924/https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/executive-orders/2024 |url-status=live }} Cumberland Island National Seashore closed indefinitely on October 8.{{cite news |last1=Koenen |first1=Sarah |title=Cumberland Island National Seashore to close in preparation for Hurricane Milton |url=https://home.nps.gov/cuis/learn/news/cumberland-island-national-seashore-to-close-in-preparation-for-hurricane-milton.htm |access-date=October 9, 2024 |publisher=NPS.gov |date=October 8, 2024 |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200919/https://home.nps.gov/cuis/learn/news/cumberland-island-national-seashore-to-close-in-preparation-for-hurricane-milton.htm |url-status=live }}

A tropical storm watch was issued for Extreme Northwest Bahamian Islands on October 8, 2024, upgraded six hours later to a tropical storm warning.{{Cite web |last=Berg |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Public Advisory 14 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.014.shtml? |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |place=Miami, Florida |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008161322/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.014.shtml? |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sealy |first=Theo |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Govt issues Tropical Storm Watch for northern islands |url=https://ewnews.com/govt-issues-tropical-storm-watch-for-northern-islands/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Eye Witness News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200935/https://ewnews.com/govt-issues-tropical-storm-watch-for-northern-islands/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Robbie |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Public Advisory 15 |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.015.shtml? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009011134/https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.015.shtml? |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=National Hurricane Center |place=Miami, Florida}} Grand Bahama activated their emergency operations center.{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Italia |date=October 8, 2024 |title=Emergency Operations Center Activated In Grand Bahama |url=https://ournews.bs/emergency-operations-center-activated-in-grand-bahama/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Our News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009200938/https://ournews.bs/emergency-operations-center-activated-in-grand-bahama/ |url-status=live }} The Royal Bahamas Defence Force went on standby with supplies prepared for Hurricane Milton.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Joshua |date=October 9, 2024 |title=RBDF: "We Stand Ready To Mobilize And Assist" |url=https://ournews.bs/rbdf-we-stand-ready-to-mobilize-and-assist/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Our News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009201040/https://ournews.bs/rbdf-we-stand-ready-to-mobilize-and-assist/ |url-status=live }} In-person schools on Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, and Grand Cay were closed.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=School closures announced due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://ewnews.com/school-closures-announced-due-to-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Eye Witness News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008022829/https://ewnews.com/school-closures-announced-due-to-hurricane-milton/ |url-status=live }} The Anglican Central Education Authority closed two campuses.{{Cite web |title=Weather Update: Tropical Storm warning issued for northwestern Bahamas |url=https://www.tribune242.com/news/2024/oct/08/weather-update-airport-warns-of-delays/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Tribune 242 |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008181942/https://www.tribune242.com/news/2024/oct/08/weather-update-airport-warns-of-delays/ |url-status=live }} Bahamian students in Florida were ordered to evacuate; Bahamasair made two flights on October 7 and 8 to Orlando.{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Kelie |date=October 7, 2024 |title='Seek shelter', ministry urges |url=https://www.tribune242.com/news/2024/oct/07/seek-shelter-ministry-urges/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |website=Tribune 242 |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008023213/https://www.tribune242.com/news/2024/oct/07/seek-shelter-ministry-urges/ |url-status=live }} The Grand Bahama International Airport had closed.{{Cite web |date=October 12, 2024 |title=GB Resident: "I'm So Happy Nothing Happened To This Great, Beautiful Island" |url=https://ournews.bs/gb-resident-im-so-happy-nothing-happened-to-this-great-beautiful-island/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |website=Our News |language=en-US}} Bahamas Power and Light offices in northern islands closed October 9.{{Cite web |last=Sealy |first=Theo |date=October 9, 2024 |title=BPL offices in select islands will close at noon |url=https://ewnews.com/bpl-offices-in-select-islands-will-close-at-noon/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Eye Witness News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009201150/https://ewnews.com/bpl-offices-in-select-islands-will-close-at-noon/ |url-status=live }} Banks on Grand Bahama and Abaco closed October 10.{{Cite web |last=Brayson |first=Jaynen |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Banks in Grand Bahama, Abaco to close Thursday Oct 10 2024 |url=https://ewnews.com/banks-in-grand-bahama-abaco-to-close-thursday-oct-10-2024/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Eye Witness News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009201546/https://ewnews.com/banks-in-grand-bahama-abaco-to-close-thursday-oct-10-2024/ |url-status=live }} A large surge in sales of hurricane-related supplies occurred.

Heavy rainfall from Milton caused flooding in the city of Campeche.{{Cite news|date=October 7, 2024|title=Lluvias generadas por Milton inundan calles en la capital Campechana|url=https://tribunacampeche.com/07/lluvias-generadas-por-milton-inundan-calles-en-la-capital-campechana/695593/|access-date=October 7, 2024|newspaper=Tribuna Campeche|language=es|archive-date=October 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007174954/https://tribunacampeche.com/07/lluvias-generadas-por-milton-inundan-calles-en-la-capital-campechana/695593/|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite news |title=Huracanes: Sin tocar tierra, Milton deja estragos en costas de Yucatán como categoría cuatro |url=https://www.informador.mx/mexico/Huracanes-Sin-tocar-tierra-Milton-deja-estragos-en-costas-de-Yucatan-como-categoria-cuatro-20241008-0030.html |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=El Informador |date=October 8, 2024 |language=es |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008122650/https://www.informador.mx/mexico/Huracanes-Sin-tocar-tierra-Milton-deja-estragos-en-costas-de-Yucatan-como-categoria-cuatro-20241008-0030.html |url-status=live }} Flooding from the storm surge led to evacuations being carried out during the hurricane in Celestún.{{Cite web |date=October 7, 2024 |title=Huracán Milton: Evacúan de EMERGENCIA en Celestún por creciente del mar |url=https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/huracan-milton-evacuan-de-emergencia-en-celestun-por-creciente-del-mar |access-date=October 7, 2024 |website=Azteca Yucatán |language=es |archive-date=October 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007212958/https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/huracan-milton-evacuan-de-emergencia-en-celestun-por-creciente-del-mar |url-status=live }} Strong waves caused sections of the Ciudad del Carmen–Isla Aguada federal highway to be inundated by sea waters.{{cite news |title=A CAUSA DE MILTON, EL MAR "INVADE" Y DESLAVA TRAMOS EN LA CARRETERA CARMEN-ISLA AGUADA |url=https://tribunacampeche.com/07/a-causa-de-milton-el-mar-invade-y-deslava-tramos-en-la-carretera-carmen-isla-aguada/695718/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=Tribuna Campeche |date=October 8, 2024 |language=es |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009013941/https://tribunacampeche.com/07/a-causa-de-milton-el-mar-invade-y-deslava-tramos-en-la-carretera-carmen-isla-aguada/695718/ |url-status=live }} A man and a woman drowned in Calkiní due to waves produced by the hurricane.{{cite news|title=PIDEN AYUDA PARA LOCALIZAR A FAMILIARES DE PERSONA QUE MURIÓ AHOGADA EN ISLA ARENA|url=https://tribunacampeche.com/08/fiscalia-pide-colaboracion-ciudadana-para-localizar-a-familiares-de-persona-que-murio-ahogada-en-isla-arena/695837/|access-date=October 8, 2024|publisher=Tribuna Campeche|language=es|archive-date=October 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009201542/https://tribunacampeche.com/08/fiscalia-pide-colaboracion-ciudadana-para-localizar-a-familiares-de-persona-que-murio-ahogada-en-isla-arena/695837/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=MUERE AHOGADO EN ISLA ARENA, MILTON COBRA SU PRIMERA VÍCTIMA |url=https://tribunacampeche.com/07/muere-ahogado-en-isla-arena-milton-cobra-su-primera-vctma/695714/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=Tribuna Campeche |date=October 8, 2024 |language=es |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009014125/https://tribunacampeche.com/07/muere-ahogado-en-isla-arena-milton-cobra-su-primera-vctma/695714/ |url-status=live }} Heavy winds from Milton caused an old house in Progreso to collapse,{{cite news |last1=Puerto |first1=Pablo |title=ÚLTIMO MOMENTO: Se derrumba casa en Progreso tras fuertes vientos del Huracán Milton |url=https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/ultimo-momento-se-derrumba-casa-en-progreso-tras-fuertes-vientos-del-huracan-milton |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=Azteca Yucatán |date=October 8, 2024 |language=es |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009014327/https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/ultimo-momento-se-derrumba-casa-en-progreso-tras-fuertes-vientos-del-huracan-milton |url-status=live }} and heavy winds and rainfall nearly demolished a home in Chuburná.{{cite news |title=FOTOS: Potentes vientos del Huracán Milton de categoría 5 DERRIBARON una casa en Chuburná, comisaría de Progreso |url=https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/fotos-potentes-vientos-huracan-milton-categoria-5-derribaron-casa-chuburna-comisaria-de-progreso |access-date=October 9, 2024 |publisher=Azteca Yucatán |date=October 9, 2024 |language=es |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009030920/https://www.aztecayucatan.com/noticias/fotos-potentes-vientos-huracan-milton-categoria-5-derribaron-casa-chuburna-comisaria-de-progreso |url-status=live }}

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.{{cite news |title=No casualties reported as Milton hits Celestún and Sisal |url=https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2024/10/no-casualties-reported-as-milton-hits-celestun-and-sisal |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=The Yucatan Times |date=October 8, 2024 |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008185420/https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2024/10/no-casualties-reported-as-milton-hits-celestun-and-sisal/ |url-status=live }} Heavy swells and intense winds from Milton destroyed the dock of the port of Chelem.{{cite news |title=Milton dejó sin muelle a Chelem y dañó el de Progreso |url=https://tribunacampeche.com/08/milton-dejo-sin-muelle-a-chelem-y-dano-el-de-progreso/695751/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=Tribuna Campeche |date=October 8, 2024 |language=es |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009014738/https://tribunacampeche.com/08/milton-dejo-sin-muelle-a-chelem-y-dano-el-de-progreso/695751/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite news |date=October 9, 2024 |title=15 Yucatán fishermen reported missing after Hurricane Milton |url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/yucatan-fishermen-missing-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=Mexico News Daily}} 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.{{Cite news |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Two boats with fishermen are still missing after Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2024/10/two-boats-with-fishermen-are-still-missing-after-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=The Yucatan Times}}{{Cite news |last=Domínguez Massa |first=David |date=October 12, 2024 |title=Exigen investigación por náufrago muerto en Yucatán que Marina "no rescató" |url=https://www.yucatan.com.mx/merida/2024/10/12/exigen-investigacion-por-naufrago-muerto-en-yucatan-que-marina-no-rescato.html#goog_rewarded |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=Diario de Yucatán |language=es}} On October 11, the last missing fishing boat, Halcón I, was spotted by the Mexican Navy, capsized with no crew members on board.{{Cite news |date=October 13, 2024 |title="Milton" será inolvidable: crónica de una tragedia en Yucatán |url=https://www.yucatan.com.mx/yucatan/2024/10/13/milton-sera-inolvidable-cronica-de-una-tragedia-en-yucatan.html |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=Diario de Yucatán |language=es}}

As Milton neared Cuba, its rainbands caused flooding,{{cite news |title=HURRICANE MILTON BRINGS FLOODING TO CUBA |url=https://onecaribbeantelevision.com/news/hurricane-milton-brings-flooding-to-cuba/ |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=One Caribbean News |date=October 10, 2024}} with the first reports in Surgidero de Batabanó.{{cite news |title=Cuban west on alert for Hurricane Milton: Winds over 50 km/h and flooding are expected. |url=https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2024-10-08-u1-e199894-s27061-nid289811-occidente-cubano-alerta-huracan-milton-esperan |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=CiberCuba |date=October 8, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009201452/https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2024-10-08-u1-e199894-s27061-nid289811-occidente-cubano-alerta-huracan-milton-esperan |url-status=live }} In Havana Bay, deteriorating weather conditions from Milton caused officials to suspend ferry services on October 8.{{cite news |title=Boat service suspended in Havana bay due to the effects of Hurricane Milton. |url=https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2024-10-08-u1-e135253-s27061-nid289823-suspenden-servicio-lanchas-bahia-habana-efectos |access-date=October 9, 2024 |work=CiberCuba |date=October 8, 2024 |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009010550/https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2024-10-08-u1-e135253-s27061-nid289823-suspenden-servicio-lanchas-bahia-habana-efectos |url-status=live }} The Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) reported that Western Cuba experienced winds of 25–30 mph (40–48 km/h) and maximum gusts in Casablanca, Havana, of 50 mph (80 km/h).{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Circles |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton to Make Landfall In Florida Tonight |url=https://havanatimes.org/news/hurricane-milton-to-make-landfall-in-florida-tonight/ |access-date=October 9, 2024 |website=Havana Times |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009201507/https://havanatimes.org/news/hurricane-milton-to-make-landfall-in-florida-tonight/ |url-status=live }}

{{Costliest U.S. Atlantic hurricanes|align=left}}

Initial estimates by Fitch Ratings said that Milton caused US$50 billion in damage.{{cite news |last1=Wee |first1=Lian Kit |title=Hurricane Milton might cost insurers up to $50 billion — but it could have been much worse, analysts said |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-milton-insurance-fitch-50-billion-losses-2024-10 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=Business Insider |date=October 11, 2024}} 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.{{cite news|last=Demos|first=Telis|date=October 11, 2024|title=Hurricane Milton Tests the Revamped Plumbing of the Insurance Market|work=The Wall Street Journal|publisher=News Corp|url=https://www.wsj.com/finance/hurricane-milton-tests-the-revamped-plumbing-of-the-insurance-market-5fce8fbd|access-date=October 20, 2024}} A later estimate by CoreLogic stated that Milton caused US$21–34 billion in damage.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Milton Wind, Flood Cause an Estimated $17B to $28B in Insured Losses After Unusual Landfall Activity |url=https://www.corelogic.com/press-releases/corelogic-hurricane-milton-wind-flood-cause-an-estimated-17b-to-28b-in-insured-losses-after-unusual-landfall-activity/ |access-date=October 24, 2024 |work=CoreLogic® |date=October 13, 2024}} However, Moody’s Analytics released a much higher cost, at US$85 billion. The NCEI estimate released in January 2025 placed the total cost at US$34.3 billion.{{Cite web |last=NCEI.Monitoring.Info@noaa.gov |title=Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/events |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.ncei.noaa.gov |language=en}}

File:Tropicana Field roof damage.jpg'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}}.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Milton Advisory 20|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.020.shtml? |access-date=October 19, 2024 |work=National Hurricane Center |date=October 9, 2024}} 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}}.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Milton Tropical Cyclone Update |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.update.10100755.shtml? |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=National Hurricane Center |date=October 10, 2024}} In Daytona Beach, sustained winds reached {{convert|60|mph|kph|abbr=on}} with gusts reaching {{convert|87|mph|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |title=Hurricane Milton Advisory 21|url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/al14/al142024.public.021.shtml? |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=National Hurricane Center |date=October 10, 2024}} 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.{{cite news |title=Rainfall totals, top wind gusts from Hurricane Milton across Tampa Bay and Central Florida |url=https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2024/10/10/rainfall-totals--top-wind-gusts-from-hurricane-milton |access-date=October 15, 2024 |publisher=Spectrum News 13 |date=October 10, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Hurricane Milton's deadly onslaught in Florida leaves 3 million without power after destructive 100-mph winds |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/hurricane-milton-landfall-florida-storm-surge-power-outages |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=Fox Weather |date=October 10, 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Harper |first1=Mark |title=Milton aftermath: Flooding, power outages, closed roads, four deaths |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/14/big-picture-of-hurricane-milton-in-volusia-flagler-widespread-pain/75590109007/ |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=Daytona Beach News Journal |date=October 14, 2024}}

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.{{cite news |title=By the numbers: What made Hurricane Milton so historic? |url=https://jaxtoday.org/2024/10/17/hurricane-milton-numbers/ |access-date=October 17, 2024 |publisher=JaxToday |date=October 17, 2024}}{{cite news |title=All the Ways Hurricane Milton Made History |url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hurricane-miltons-rain-and-tornadoes-in-florida-broke-records/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |date=October 11, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Tornadoes, mass outages and deaths: what to know about Hurricane Milton's impact |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/10/hurricane-milton-what-to-know |access-date=October 10, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=October 10, 2024}} In Tampa, nearly {{convert|12|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell, which pushed the city to its wettest year on record.{{cite news |title=Tampa sees over 5x the usual October rainfall due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.wfla.com/weather/tampa-sees-5x-the-usual-october-rainfall-due-to-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 15, 2024 |publisher=WFLA |date=October 11, 2024}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tcpalm.com/story/weather/hurricanes/2024/10/12/hurricane-milton-florida-wind-speeds-rain-totals/75644716007/|title=Hurricane Milton: See final wind speeds, rain totals across Treasure Coast|first=Keith Burbank and Jack|last=Lemnus|website=Treasure Coast}}{{cite web | url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/hurricane/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-a-florida-damage-breakdown-by-city-photos-sarasota-tampa-fort-myers-naples-daytona/75604302007/ | title=Hurricane Milton mauls Florida: City and county guide to death, misery and destruction }} Rainfall totals in Flagler County were lower, but {{convert|5.61|in|mm|abbr=on}} of rain was still recorded in Flagler Beach.{{cite news |title=NWS: Milton unleashes full brunt on Volusia-Flagler with life-threatening rains, wind |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-dumps-as-much-as-12-inches-of-rain-on-volusia-flagler/75602317007/ |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=Daytona Beach Journal |date=October 10, 2024}} A storm surge of 5 ft (1.52 m) to 10 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.{{Cite web |title=Hurricane Milton Brought Devastation Across Central Florida (RECAP) {{!}} Weather.com |url=https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2024-10-09-hurricane-milton-forecast-landfall-florida-storm-surge-wind |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=The Weather Channel |language=en-US}} 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 ft (1.2 m) to 4.5 ft (1.37 m).{{Cite web |last=Oberholtz |first=Chris |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton's destructive path strikes Daytona Beach with wind gusts topping 80 mph |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/hurricane-milton-daytona-beach-florida.amp |access-date=October 12, 2024 |website=FOX Weather |language=en-US}} The Hillsborough River crested at nearly 2 ft (.61 m) over record height Friday at Zephyrhills. At the river's Morris Bridge site, it crested over 3 ft (.94 m) above record flood stage.{{Cite web |last=Sistek |first=Scott |date=October 12, 2024 |title=Record flooding, slow-to-recede rivers plague Florida after Milton blasted state with torrential rain |url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/river-flooding-hurricane-milton-hillsborough-county-st-johns.amp |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=FOX Weather |language=en-US}} A reverse storm surge occurred in Tampa, however, dropping water levels by {{convert|5|ft|m|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |title=Why Milton's 'reverse surge' sucked water away from flood-fearing Tampa |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-milton-tampa-bay-reverse-surge-3ac00f9d341d6ec5fa024af253f5bdc1 |access-date=October 17, 2024 |publisher=AP News |date=October 10, 2024}}

Seven people were killed in St. Lucie County,{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2024 |title=Death toll in St. Lucie County due to Hurricane Milton rises to 7 |url=https://www.wflx.com/2024/10/15/death-toll-st-lucie-county-due-hurricane-milton-rises-7/ |access-date=October 15, 2024 |publisher=WFLX |language=en}} four in Volusia County, two in Pinellas County, and one each in Citrus, Polk, and Orange counties.{{Cite web |last1=Yeung |first1=Jessie |last2=Harvey |first2=Lex |last3=Faheid |first3=Dalia |last4=Wolfe |first4=Elizabeth |last5=Vera |first5=Amir |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton death toll mounts as the destruction is laid bare |url=https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-florida-damage-10-11-24/index.html?t=1728654313639 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |publisher=CNN}} One person was killed in Ormond Beach due a tree falling into a roof.{{Cite web |first1=Elizabeth |last1=Wolfe |first2=Dalia |last2=Faheid |first3=Jessie |last3=Yeung |first4=Emma |last4=Tucker |first5=Kathleen |last5=Magramo |first6=Holly |last6=Yan |first7=Andy |last7=Rose |first8=Maureen |last8=Chowdhury |first9=Dakin |last9=Andone |first10=Chelsea |last10=Bailey |first11=Aditi |last11=Sangal |first12=Tori B. |last12=Powell |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Deadly Milton leaves Florida with flooding and damage in its wake: Live updates |url=https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-path-florida-10-10-24/index.html |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=CNN}} A woman in her late 70s was killed by a fallen tree branch in Hillsborough County.{{Cite web |first1=Elizabeth |last1=Wolfe |first2=Dalia |last2=Faheid |first3=Jessie |last3=Yeung |first4=Emma |last4=Tucker |first5=Kathleen |last5=Magramo |first6=Holly |last6=Yan |first7=Andy |last7=Rose |first8=Maureen |last8=Chowdhury |first9=Dakin |last9=Andone |first10=Chelsea |last10=Bailey |first11=Aditi |last11=Sangal |first12=Tori B. |last12=Powell |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Deadly Milton leaves Florida with flooding and damage in its wake: Live updates |url=https://edition.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-path-florida-10-10-24/index.html |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=CNN}} 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.{{Cite news |last=Mendoza |first=Jesse |date=October 15, 2024 |title=Charlotte County resident dies at Bradenton hospital during Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/manatee/2024/10/15/medical-examiner-confirms-charlotte-county-casualty-during-milton/75684746007/ |access-date=October 22, 2024 |work=The Palm Beach Post}} Ten people were injured in Wellington by an EF3 tornado.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Multiple fatalities reported in Florida from tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/multiple-fatalities-reported-in-florida-from-tornadoes-spawned-by-hurricane-milton/3440601/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=NBC 6 South Florida |language=en-US}} Another EF3 tornado severely damaged two warehouses and killed six people.{{Cite web |last=Ulrich |first=William |last2=Vokmer |first2=Matt |last3=Sharp |first3=Dave |last4=Schaper |first4=Jessie Ruth |last5=Law |first5=Zach |last6=Heil |first6=Jared |date=2024-10-13 |title=NWS Damage Survey for St. Lucie/SE Indian River County Tornado Event - Update #2 |url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSMLB&e=202410132212 |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Iowa Environmental Mesonet |publisher=Iowa State University}} The Waffle House Index was raised to red in various areas throughout the state including Tampa, Lakeland, Daytona, and Naples.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Waffle House, citing the Waffle House Index, closes Tampa locations ahead of Hurricane Milton - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hurricane-milton-waffle-house-index-tampa-locations-closed/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Perray |first=Helena |title=It's not a myth: Waffle House closes Daytona- area restaurants ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/09/waffle-house-index-shows-daytona-area-closures-as-hurricane-milton-nears/75592861007/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}}

File:Anna Maria Island wind damage.jpg]]

File:St Petersbrug Crane Collapse.jpg

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.{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Hank |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton Destroys Roof of Tropicana Field Stadium |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/us/tropicana-field-milton-tampa-bay.html |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} As a result, the Tampa Bay Rays were forced to play their games for the 2025 Major League Baseball season at Steinbrenner Field. {{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Jon Paul Hoornstra Contributing Sports |date=2024-10-16 |title=MLB News: Hurricane Milton Damaged Rays' Stadium; Where Will They Play? |url=https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/mlb-news-after-hurricane-milton-damaged-rays-stadium-where-will-they-play-1970116 |access-date=2024-10-17 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Crane collapses into Times' office building amid thrashing Milton winds |url=https://www.tampabay.com/hurricane/2024/10/10/crane-collapses-into-times-office-building-amid-thrashing-milton-winds/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Times}} 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.{{Cite news |last1=Kellerman |first1=Austin |last2=Accettulla |first2=Kevin |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Sarasota Bradenton International Airport loses roof; closed until Wednesday |url=https://www.wfla.com/news/local-news/sarasota-bradenton-international-airport-loses-roof-closed-until-wednesday/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |publisher=WFLA-TV}} Multiple areas across the state experienced significant flooding including parts of Orlando, Saint Johns, and throughout Hillsborough County.{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Daniella |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton live updates: At least 6 deaths confirmed following monster storm slamming into Florida |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/live-blog/hurricane-milton-live-updates-rcna174774 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=NBC News}} Rescuers saved 565 people from a Clearwater apartment complex where flooding was neck-deep in some places.{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton live updates: At least 14 deaths confirmed; power outages, flooding still major concerns |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/hurricanes/live-blog/hurricane-milton-live-updates-rcna174774 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |publisher=NBC News |language=en}} Across the state, about 125 homes were destroyed before Milton made landfall, and more than 3 million homes and buildings were left without power.{{Cite web |date=October 9, 2024 |title=More than 1.5 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida |first1=Terry |last1=Spencer |first2=Kate |last2=Payne |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-milton-tampa-florida-08bde4b9c29460f471d43c6512821c93 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |work=Associated Press News}}{{cite news |last1=Cortez |first1=Julio |last2=Payne |first2=Kate |last3=Daley |first3=Haven |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Milton knocks out power to millions and spawns 150 tornadoes across Florida. At least 4 dead |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-milton-tampa-florida-5f6a112986eb6e21720f0f17c504afe8 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=AP News}} Hillsborough County saw the most power outages, with around 500,000 customers losing power.{{Cite web |last1=Hagopian |first1=Alicja |last2=Musto |first2=Julia |date=October 17, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton damage: 'Storm of the century' versus other hurricanes |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-milton-map-visuals-charts-figures-deaths-storm-damage-b2627468.html |access-date=October 20, 2024 |website=The Independent |language=en}} Nearly 1,000 people and 105 animals were rescued as of October 10.{{Cite web |title=Hurricane Milton latest: 'Everything in its path is gone' - deaths reported as daylight reveals Florida devastation |url=https://news.sky.com/story/hurricane-milton-hits-florida-latest-live-updates-13230451 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=Sky News |language=en}}{{Cite web |first1=Elizabeth |last1=Wolfe |first2=Dalia |last2=Faheid |first3=Jessie |last3=Yeung |first4=Emma |last4=Tucker |first5=Kathleen |last5=Magramo |first6=Holly |last6=Yan |first7=Andy |last7=Rose |first8=Maureen |last8=Chowdhury |first9=Dakin |last9=Andone |first10=Chelsea |last10=Bailey |first11=Aditi |last11=Sangal |first12=Tori B. |last12=Powell |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Deadly Milton leaves Florida with flooding and damage in its wake: Live updates |url=https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/hurricane-milton-path-florida-10-10-24/index.html?t=1728610154029 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |publisher=CNN }} A sinkhole opened up in Hillsborough County as a result of Milton.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/10/weather/video/sinkhole-damage-milton-aftermath-rosales-cnntm-digvid |title=Video shows an enormous sinkhole left behind by Hurricane Milton |date=October 10, 2024 |last=Rosales |first=Isabel |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=CNN}} US 17/92 collapsed with a sinkhole in Orange City, as well.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.wesh.com/article/orange-city-volusia-holes-roads-sinkhole-milton/62567276 |title=Gaping holes appear in Central Florida streets after Milton roars through |date=October 10, 2024 |last=Watkins |first=Christina |access-date=October 10, 2024 |via=WESH}} Another sink hole opened up in Polk County which swallowed a pick up truck.{{Cite web |last=Loria |first=Christopher Cann, Jeanine Santucci and Michael |title=Hurricane Milton leaves widespread destruction; rescue operations underway |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/11/hurricane-milton-live-updates-friday/75624425007/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |website=USA Today |language=en-US}}

Damage in Volusia County reached $267 million.{{cite news |title=Milton damages at $267M in Volusia; residents call for action on flooding |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/16/after-hurricane-milton-volusia-residents-call-for-action-on-flooding/75691351007/ |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=Daytona Beach News Journal |date=October 16, 2024}} In Collier County, damage reached $280 million.{{Cite web |last=Layden |first=Laura |title=Hurricane Milton caused $280 million in damage in Collier County |url=https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/local/2024/10/23/collier-county-saw-280-million-in-property-damage-by-hurricane-milton/75778230007/ |access-date=2024-10-23 |website=Naples Daily News |language=en-US}} Key West saw a large decline in commercial activity as a result of Milton and the closure of the Port of Key West.{{Cite web |last=Scouten |first=Ted |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Port of Key West closes due to Hurricane Milton, local businesses feel impact |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/port-of-key-west-closes-due-to-hurricane-milton-local-businesses-feeling-impact/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |language=en-US}}

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.{{Cite web |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Rowdies to Close Out 2024 Regular Season at the IMG Academy |url=https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/2024/10/18/tampa-bay-rowdies-to-close-out-2024-regular-season-at-img-academy/ |access-date=October 19, 2024 |website=Tampa Bay Rowdies}}

File:Hurricane Milton tornado.webp]]

{{main|Hurricane Milton tornado outbreak}}

At least 46 confirmed tornadoes 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbc-2.com/article/hurricane-milton-tornado-warnings-florida/62561396|title=At least 19 tornadoes touch down in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton landfall|date=October 9, 2024|publisher=WBBH-TV|access-date=October 9, 2024}} This became the largest single day of tornadoes in state history, surpassing Hurricane Irma.[https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/2024-10-23-hurricane-milton-florida-tornadoes-record Hurricane Milton Spawned Record Number Of Florida Tornadoes], The Weather Channel, October 23, 2024[https://www.wmnf.org/milton-set-a-florida-record-for-the-most-tornadoes-in-one-day/ Milton set a Florida record for the most tornadoes in one day], WMAF At 6 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 warnings, a record high in one day beating out the previous record of 37 on September 27, 2022, during Hurricane Ian,{{Cite web |first=Kaitlin |last=Lewis |date=October 9, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton update as Florida breaks tornado warning record |url=https://www.newsweek.com/hurricane-milton-record-tornado-tracking-florida-counties-warnings-1966691 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} 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.{{cite tweet |number=1844134821163041058 |user=NWSMiami |title=10/9 - As of 6pm: 55 Tornado Warnings issued today solely by NWS Miami.98 Tornado Warnings issued today by NWS Tampa Bay, NWS Melbourne, and NWS Miami today. At least 9 Confirmed Tornadoes today in our NWS Miami area (Preliminary). |author=NWS Miami |date=October 9, 2024 |access-date=October 9, 2024}}{{Cite tweet |last=Blue |first=Mathieu |user=MathieuBlue |date=October 9, 2024 |title=🌪️ Both NWS Miami & NWS Tampa have broken the record for *most tornado warnings issued in a single day* by their offices. |url=https://x.com/MathieuBlue/status/1844107253944811875 |access-date=October 10, 2024 |number=1844107253944811875}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Michelle |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Record-breaking 126 tornado warnings issued in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/weather/hurricane/2024/10/10/record-breaking-126-tornado-warnings-issued-in-florida-ahead-of-hurricane-milton/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=WKMG-TV }} 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.{{cite web |last1=Hudson |first1=Leslie |title=For the record: Milton set a State record for the most tornadoes in one day |url=https://www.cfpublic.org/2024-10-25/for-the-record-milton-set-a-state-record-for-most-tornadoes-in-a-day |website=cfpublic.org |publisher=Central Florida Public Media |access-date=22 November 2024 |date=October 25, 2024}} Milton also yielded Florida's fifth deadliest outbreak in 70 years, behind the 1998 Kissimmee tornado outbreak, which killed 42; the 2007 Groundhog Day tornado outbreak, which killed 21; the March 31, 1962, outbreak, which killed 17; and the Hurricane Agnes outbreak, which killed seven.{{cite web |last1=Erdman |first1=Jonathan |title=Hurricane Milton Spawned Record Number Of Florida Tornadoes |url=https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/2024-10-23-hurricane-milton-florida-tornadoes-record |website=Weather.com |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=22 November 2024 |date=October 23, 2024}}

File:EF3 damage in Wellington, Florida, along Deer Path Lane, in October 2024.jpg neighborhood]]

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.{{cite web| title=The Aftermath of Tornado Damage in Florida from Hurricane Milton| author=Pacific54| publisher=Stellar Public Adjusting Services| location=Miami, Florida| url=https://www.stellaradjusting.com/hurricane-milton-florida-tornado-damage/| date=October 16, 2024| access-date=December 24, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Volunteers and local church members unite to aid tornado victims in St. Lucie County |url=https://cw34.com/news/local/volunteers-and-local-church-members-unite-to-aid-tornado-victims-in-st-lucie-county-hurricane-milton-florida-october-15-2024 |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=CW34 |date=October 15, 2024}} Among the coordinated efforts, WPTV-TV partnered with several local businesses in St. Lucie, Martin, and Palm Beach counties to fundraise for tornado victims.{{cite news |title='Let's shine a light': WPTV partners with 7 local businesses to raise money for tornado victims |url=https://www.wptv.com/weather/hurricane/lets-shine-a-light-wptv-partners-with-7-local-businesses-to-raise-money-for-tornado-victims |access-date=October 16, 2024 |publisher=WPTV-TV |date=October 15, 2024}} In total, the property damage from the tornado outbreak was estimated at $681.8 million.{{Cite web |title=Storm Events Database - Search Results {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=(C)+Tornado&beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=08&beginDate_yyyy=2024&endDate_mm=10&endDate_dd=09&endDate_yyyy=2024&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=-999,ALL |access-date=March 7, 2025 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}

Wind gusts in Savannah, Georgia, peaked at {{convert|22|mph|kph|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last=Deem |first=John |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Hurricane Milton brings wind, potential coastal flooding to Savannah area Thursday |url=https://www.savannahnow.com/story/weather/hurricane/2024/10/10/hurricane-milton-causes-high-winds-in-savannah-with-flooding-possible/75603588007/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=Savannah News Now}} In Tybee Island, impacts were less than expected; however, the beaches remained closed due to rip currents.{{cite news |title=Tybee Island flooding concerns at ease, rip current risk continues |url=https://www.wjcl.com/article/tybee-island-flooding-concerns-at-ease-beach-is-closed/62571932 |access-date=October 11, 2024 |publisher=WJCL |date=October 10, 2024}} 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.{{cite news |last1=Kukulich |first1=Tony |last2=Cota |first2=Kailey |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Instead of flooding tides and high winds, Milton ushers in sunny fall weather |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/hurricanewire/weather-hurricane-milton-charleston-lowcountry/article_6cbf5d62-8737-11ef-bc9c-d3f8a594fd0a.html |access-date=October 12, 2024 |publisher=The Post and Courier}}

Bimini and West Grand Bahama experienced winds of around {{Convert|15–20|mph|km/h}} and waves of {{Convert|2 to 4|ft|m|spell=in}}. Power and water outages occurred on a few islands. Localized flooding also occurred.{{Cite web |last1=Munnings |first1=Lynaire |last2=Maycock |first2=Denise |date=October 11, 2024 |title=All clear - and time to clean up |url=https://www.tribune242.com/news/2024/oct/11/all-clear-and-time-to-clean-up/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |website=Tribune 242 |language=en}} Grand Bahama and Abaco experienced coastal floodings and strong gusts.{{cite news |first=Travis |last=Cartwright-Carroll |title=No major damage reported on northern islands after Milton, officials say |url=https://www.thenassauguardian.com/news/no-major-damage-reported-on-northern-islands-after-milton-officials-say/article_54dfc580-873f-11ef-93f4-93157cf2289c.html |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=The Nassau Guardian |date=October 11, 2024}} Aarone Sargeant, the managing director of The Bahamas' Disaster Risk Management Authority, stated that there were no reports of injuries or significant damage,{{cite news |first=Jose |last=Etienne |title=Hurricane Milton Update: DRMA issues 'all clear' for The Bahamas |url=https://ewnews.com/hurricane-milton-update-drma-issues-all-clear-for-the-bahamas/ |access-date=October 13, 2024 |work=Eye Witness News |date=October 10, 2024}} with only minor damage occurring in the country.

{{See also|Misinformation about the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season}}

File:Debris Staging Area Milton.jpg on October 19, 2024]]

Amtrak again modified their Silver Service routes between October 13 and 15 due to residual impacts after the storm.{{cite web |title=Amtrak Advisory {{!}} Modified service due to Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.amtrak.com/alert/modified-service-due-to-hurricane-milton0.html?cmp=-20241013-customer_communicationstwitter&SID=14961050736 |website=www.amtrak.com |access-date=October 13, 2024 |language=en}} Most tolls in Florida were re-instated on October 14, although exceptions were made for Orlando and Tampa.{{cite news |title=Are tolls still suspended on Florida highways after Hurricane Milton? What to know |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2024/10/16/florida-tolls-reinstated-still-suspended-hurricane-milton/75698293007/ |access-date=October 16, 2024 |work=USA Today |date=October 16, 2024}}

Following the storm, many businesses and private citizens donated to relief efforts. Taylor Swift donated $5 million to help with combined relief from Milton and Hurricane Helene, with Walmart donating $16 million.{{cite news |last1=Adeniji |first1=Are |title=Hurricane Milton aftermath: Death toll climbs with hundreds of thousands still without power |url=https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/hurricane-milton-aftermath-death-toll-climbs-with-hundreds-of-thousands-still-without-power/1702797/amp |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=AccuWeather |date=October 14, 2024}} On October 12, Joe Biden issued a disaster declaration for the state. By October 13, over 250,000 Floridians registered for help, which was the most in a day in national history.{{cite news |title=Biden surveys Milton damage; Florida power will be restored by Tuesday: Updates |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/13/hurricane-milton-biden-florida-sunday/75657451007/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=USA Today |date=October 13, 2024}} There has also been mention that other celebrities have made contributions, such as Dolly Parton, Morgan Wallen, Blake Lively, Tom Brady and Metallica.{{cite web |work=Forbes |first=Mary Whitfill |last=Roeloffs |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/10/10/billionaire-taylor-swift-tom-brady-announce-hurricane-relief-donations-all-the-celebrities-whove-pitched-in/ |title=Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds Announce $1 Million Hurricane Relief Donation: All The Celebrities Who've Pitched In |access-date=October 15, 2024 |date=October 10, 2024 }} The Baltimore Orioles also donated at least $250,000 to Hurricane Milton relief efforts.[https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2024/10/orioles-make-donation-to-sarasota-hurricane-relief Baltimore Orioles Make $250,000 Initial Donation to Hurricane Relief Campaign], Sarasota Magazine

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.{{cite news |title=Floridians cleaning up from Hurricane Milton are hampered by a widespread fuel shortage |url=https://apnews.com/article/hurricane-milton-florida-d044c0bb6b4ad1f5e2bd61ab44fb1b8c |access-date=October 14, 2024 |publisher=AP News |date=October 13, 2024}}

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.{{cite news |title=Cumberland Island reopens October 12 after Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.nps.gov/cuis/learn/news/cumberland-island-ns-will-reopen-october-12-2024-following-hurricane-milton.htm |access-date=October 15, 2024 |publisher=NPS.gov |date=October 11, 2024}} Canaveral National Seashore was also closed following the storm,{{cite news |title=Damage from Hurricane Milton closes Florida national seashore indefinitely |url=https://www.foxweather.com/lifestyle/canaveral-national-seashore-closed-indefinitely-hurricane-milton-damage.amp |access-date=October 15, 2024 |publisher=Fox Weather |date=October 14, 2024}} with re-opening beginning on October 19.[https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2024/10/18/parts-of-canaveral-national-seashore-prepare-to-reopen-after-milton Parts of Canaveral National Seashore prepare to reopen after Milton], Spectrum News 13, October 18, 2024

File:President Joe Biden greets first responders after participating in a briefing on Hurricane Milton recovery efforts (54068598107).jpg 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 million for six Department of Energy projects to improve the resilience of electric grids in areas affected by hurricanes, which included $94 million for two projects in Florida.{{Cite news |last1=Diaz |first1=Jaclyn |last2=Parks |first2=Miles |date=October 13, 2024 |title=Biden surveys Milton damage in Florida and announces funding for electric grid |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/10/13/nx-s1-5151825/biden-visit-florida-milton-electrical-grid |access-date=October 15, 2024 |publisher=NPR}}{{Cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Zac |last2=Devine |first2=Alicia |last3=Barrera |first3=Elena |date=October 13, 2024 |title=Recap: Biden returns to Florida to visit St. Pete Beach after hit from Helene, Milton |url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2024/10/13/live-updates-president-biden-back-in-florida-after-hurricane-milton/75652081007/ |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune}}

The Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSOE), in an October 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.{{cite news|url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/701642-florida-supervisors-of-elections-ask-for-more-voting-accommodations-post-milton/|title=Florida Supervisors of Elections ask for more voting accommodations post-Milton|author=Scheckner, Jesse|date=October 15, 2024|work=Florida Politics|accessdate=October 16, 2024}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Jaime |first=Caroline |date=October 18, 2024 |title=Flesh-eating bacteria cases rise in Florida after hurricanes Helene and Milton |url=https://cnn.com/cnn/2024/10/18/health/dual-hurricanes-milton-and-helene-cause-flesh-eating-bacteria-cases-to-rise-in-florida |access-date=October 19, 2024 |publisher=CNN |language=en}} There were 38 confirmed cases in October after Milton. Milton and Helene left behind standing water, causing an outbreak in dengue fever.{{Cite web |last=Bowen |first=Jordan |date=2024-10-26 |title=Mosquito-borne illness found in Bay Area after Hurricane Milton |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/mosquito-link-illness-found-west-florida-counties-after-milton |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=FOX 13 News |language=en-US}}

As happened following Hurricane Helene, misinformation and conspiracy theories regarding Milton and the post-storm government response began spreading over social media.{{Cite web |title=How Hurricane Milton and Helene conspiracy theories took over social media |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e8q50y3v7o |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) recused an abandoned Bull Terrier restrained to a post in belly-deep water on Interstate 75 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa, hours before Milton made landfall.{{cite web |first1=Nancy |last1=Gay |access-date=May 29, 2025 |title=Dog abandoned and tied up ahead of Hurricane Milton inspires bill to protect dogs during natural disasters |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/dog-left-fend-itself-ahead-hurricane-milton-inspires-bill-protect-dogs-during-natural-disasters |date=January 16, 2025 |website=FOX 13 News}}{{cite web |first1=Nancy |last1=Gay |access-date=May 29, 2025 |title=Video: Dog tied to pole on Tampa interstate rescued as Hurricane Milton draws near |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/dog-tied-pole-tampa-interstate-rescued-hurricane-milton-draws-near |date=October 9, 2024 |website=FOX 13 News}} In response, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Trooper's Law, named after the dog, in May 2025, making the act a third-degree felony punishable with five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.{{Cite web |last=Wulfeck |first=Andrew |date=2025-05-28 |title=Florida dog found chained during hurricane leads to new law during natural disasters |url=https://www.foxweather.com/lifestyle/troopers-law-florida-animal-cruelty-bill-abandoned-dog-hurricane-milton |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=FOX Weather |language=en-US}}

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."{{cite news|title=Scalise promises House investigation after FEMA official blocked aid to Florida Trump homes|last=Hallas|first=Emily|date=November 8, 2024|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3224829/scalise-promises-house-investigation-after-fema-official-blocked-aid-to-florida-trump-homes/|publisher=Washington Examiner|access-date=November 8, 2024}} Washington was fired for her actions.{{cite news|last=Mallonee |first=Mary |date=November 9, 2024 |title=FEMA employee fired after telling relief team to skip houses with Trump signs following Florida hurricane |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics/fema-employee-trump-florida-hurricane/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=November 9, 2024}} Following a state investigation of the matter, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody filed a discrimination lawsuit on November 14 against FEMA for conspiring to violate the civil rights of Florida residents in the response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2024/11/14/g-s1-34188/florida-discrimination-lawsuit-fema-trump-supporters |title=Florida sues FEMA for discrimination accusing it of denying aid to Trump supporters |date=November 14, 2024 |publisher=NPR News|first1=Debbie |last1=Elliott |access-date=November 15, 2024}}

{{main|List of retired Atlantic hurricane names}}

Owing to the widespread destruction it caused in Florida and its record-tying strength in the Gulf of Mexico, the name Milton was retired by the World Meteorological Organization during the 47th Session of the RA IV Hurricane Committee on April 2, 2025, and will never be used again for an Atlantic hurricane. It was replaced by Miguel in the list, which is scheduled to be used during the 2030 season.{{cite web| access-date=April 2, 2025 |date=April 2, 2025 |url-status=live |url=https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/wmo-hurricane-committee-retires-names-of-beryl-helene-milton-and-john |title= WMO Hurricane Committee retires names of Beryl, Helene, Milton and John |publisher=World Meteorological Organization}}

{{Portal|Tropical cyclones}}

• Weather of 2024
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• Hurricane Opal (1995) – a Category 4 hurricane that had a similar track and intensity
• Hurricane Earl (1998) – a Category 2 hurricane that had a similar track
• Hurricane Mitch (1998) – a Category 5 hurricane that made landfall in the Yucatán Peninsula and southwest Florida as a tropical storm
• Hurricane Charley (2004) – a Category 4 hurricane that impacted the same areas of Florida
• Hurricane Ian (2022) – a Category 5 hurricane that impacted the same areas as a Category 4 hurricane

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{{Reflist}}

• {{cite report|ref={{harvid|Storm Data Publication|1972}}|author=National Weather Service|date=June 1972 |title=Storm Data Publication|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|via=Storm Events Database}}

{{Wikisource}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• The National Hurricane Center's [https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/archive/2024/MILTON.shtml?. advisory archive on Hurricane Milton]

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