**Hurricane Milton Strikes Florida as a Category 3 Storm**
Hurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota, Florida, at 8:30 PM local time on October 9, 2024, as reported by the National Hurricane Center in the United States. Fueled by the extremely warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Milton twice reached Category 5 status before ultimately touching down as a Category 3 hurricane.
With maximum sustained winds of 127 miles per hour, the storm caused deadly storm surges along much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, affecting densely populated areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers.
Milton marks the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. this year, following in the wake of storms Beryl, Debby, Francine, and Helene. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that state preparations have been robust, aided by federal and local support. Meanwhile, President Joseph Biden described Milton as potentially the “storm of the century.”
**More Storms on the Horizon**
Recent reports indicate that the Atlantic hurricane season remains active, with several systems being monitored for potential development. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, experts urge better preparedness and response strategies to deal with increasingly intense weather events.
Communities across Florida and other coastal regions are advised to stay informed and heed evacuation orders when necessary. As the region deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, recovery efforts are underway to assist affected residents and restore normalcy.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for ongoing updates and information on current and future weather-related events.