Weather
Milton is now forecast to become a Category 5 hurricane later today
Hurricane Milton is on the brink of becoming a Category 5 hurricane. The northern Yucatán Peninsula, from Mérida to Cancún, should prepare for immediate and severe impacts as the storm passes just offshore.
Hurricane Milton has undergone an extraordinary intensification over the past 24 hours, increasing its wind speeds by a remarkable 90 miles per hour.
This rapid intensification is only surpassed by the record-breaking hurricanes Wilma (2005) and Felix (2007).
Milton is projected to become the second Category 5 hurricane of the season by this evening.
Given its increasing strength, preparations in Mexico should be finalized immediately to ensure the safety of residents and communities in the affected areas.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Weather
At least 15 killed so far in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak
Sheriff Pearson stated that well over 100 homes throughout the county have been lost due to the severe weather.
A series of powerful tornadoes swept through St. Lucie County on Wednesday, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and widespread damage.
The tornadoes touched down around 4:30 PM as Hurricane Milton approached the Florida coast.
First responders are currently conducting search and rescue operations and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple deaths at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community located near Fort Pierce.
Seven locations in St. Lucie County suffered significant damage:
- Spanish Lakes Country Club
- Portofino Shores
- Holiday Pines
- Lakewood Park
- South Florida Logistics Center 95
- Sunnier Palms Park and Campground
- St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office garage
Emergency officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and remain indoors until it is safe to leave.
A video posted on St. Lucie County’s official Facebook page shows a tornado ripping through a parking lot in the area of Orange Avenue and South Rock Road.
At least 15 people are killed so far in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple people were killed at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community off Spanish Lakes Boulevard near Fort Pierce. pic.twitter.com/jDITBprZVz— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) October 10, 2024
St. Lucie County has opened an additional emergency shelter at Fort Pierce Central High School for displaced residents.
Dozens of agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are assisting in the response efforts.
Sheriff Pearson stated that well over 100 homes throughout the county have been lost due to the severe weather.
The state has deployed approximately 100 search and rescue personnel to aid local agencies.
State officials confirmed 126 tornado warnings, with 19 confirmed touchdowns. At least five of the seven reported tornadoes in Broward, Palm Beach, and Treasure Coast counties have been confirmed through photographic or video evidence.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued 98 tornado warnings on Wednesday afternoon, with the Miami office issuing a record 55 of those warnings.
The NWS will be conducting storm surveys to determine the strength of the tornadoes, but no preliminary EF-Scale ratings have been assigned as of Thursday morning.
Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, said that multiple task forces are headed to the affected areas. He also stated that approximately 125 homes were destroyed statewide, primarily mobile homes in senior communities.