Hurricane Milton: Over 2 Million Without Power, First Deaths Reported

Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 hurricane, made landfall in Siesta Key, Florida, last night about 8:30 p.m. Siesta Key is a barrier island next to Sarasota.

At 2 a.m. this morning, the storm's center was about 45 miles west-southwest of Cape Canaveral, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, representing a Category 1 hurricane.

Hurricane Milton causes deaths and flooding

More than 2 million homes and businesses in Florida were without power, according to poweroutage.us. The highest number of outages occurred in Hardee County, as well as nearby Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Residents flee Tampa Bay area as Milton takes aim at Florida. However, local officials in St Lucie County reported two deaths and several more were hospitalized as tornadoes battered the area prior to Milton's arrival.

Rescue crews are attempting to locate those trapped in a retirement community in Fort Pierce, where hundreds of houses have been labelled "completely destroyed."

The hurricane destroys a house

Forecasters warn that storm surge in Orlando could reach 13 feet, while flash flooding warnings are also in effect in Tampa.

Photo: Hurricane Milton Causes Damage Across Florida