Hurricane Milton Live Updates: Hurricane Milton makes landfall, winds, heavy rain batter Florida

Hurricane Milton Live: Hurricane Milton struck Florida's Gulf Coast on Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm, posing significant threats to the state with its intense winds, lethal storm surge, and potential for widespread flooding. The hurricane gained strength from the unusually warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, twice intensifying to Category 5 status before making landfall.According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm's point of landfall was near Siesta Key, located in Sarasota County. The Gulf Coast of Florida, including the heavily populated cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers, faced the imminent danger of a deadly storm surge.As Milton continues its path across the Florida peninsula, the hurricane is expected to bring heavy rainfall, which could lead to inland flooding along rivers and lakes. The storm is projected to maintain its hurricane status before emerging into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday.The impact of Hurricane Milton comes as a devastating blow to a region still recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The previous storm caused extensive damage to coastal communities through storm surge and claimed the lives of twelve individuals in the seaside areas of Pinellas County alone.Stay with TOI for latest updates: