LIVE UPDATES: Hurricane Milton makes landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, first death confirmed
Hurricane Milton, one of the largest storm systems ever recorded in the US has made landfall on the west coast of Florida.
The “once in a century” storm, has been downgraded from Category Five to Category Three, however, authorities have warned Hurricane Milton has grown bigger in size and now threatens more areas of the Florida coastline.
At its peak, Milton had sustained winds of 250km/h.
The latest update from US officials says sustained wind speed has slowed to 193 km/h, with the risk to life remaining high, especially for the expected 15ft (4.5m) storm surge.
Follow below for the latest on Hurricane Milton.
Anderson Cooper hit by flying debris from Hurricane Milton
Anderson Cooper, one of the biggest journalists in the US, has been covering the “once in a century” storm from Bradenton, Florida, around 20km north of where Hurricane Milton made landfall.
Reporting from a pier and battling extreme rain and winds, Cooper was commenting on the wild weather when he was hit in the face by a piece of flying debris
“Woah! That wasn’t good,” Cooper said as he recovered his composer.
“We’ll probably go inside shortly,” he said before continuing his coverage.
Stadium roof ripped off in St, Petersburg
Tropicana Field, a multi-purpose stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida had had its roof ripped off by Hurricane Milton.
The stadium is currently being used by thousands of emergency responders, transformed into a base camp for the Hurricane Milton response.
It is understood that emergency services were inside when the roof was ripped off. No injuries have been reported at Tropicana Field.
Venice inundated with aggressive storm surge
An aggressive storm surge has begun to inundate the Venice area in Florida.
Venice, located around 80km south of Siesta Bay where Hurricane Milton made landfall, is expected to endure a 9ft - 12ft (2.7m - 3.6m) surge.
Footage is starting to emerge of water flooding the area.
Extreme meteorologist and storm chaser Reed Timmer shared a video walking through the dangerous waters.
Authorities have warned people not to enter the storm surge waters due to the risk of chemicals, unknown depths, alligators and other animals. as well as extreme rips.
St Lucie Country report the first deaths from Hurricane Milton
St Lucie County, located on Florida’s east coast north of Palm Beach, has been on alert for tornados for the last few hours.
Almost 80 tornado warnings were issued within a two-hour window as Hurricane Milton approached.
“It’s devastating. No words can describe it,” Sheriff Keith Pearson told WPBF-TV.
“We had multiple tornadoes touch down in this community.”
The Sheriff said more than one death had now been recorded.
“With a tornado, you don’t know that. It’s almost like having a bomb dropped at any place and any time,” he said.
“If you’re home, stay at home. Don’t make us come out here for you.”
Hurricane Milton downgraded to Category Two
After 90 terrifying minutes of Hurricane Milton making landfall, the “once in a century” storm has been downgraded to a high-end Category Two.
However, authorities are urging locals to remain vigilant as 175km/p winds continue to lash Florida and a large portion of the state remains under an unprecedented flash flooding emergency warning.
High tide for the west coast of Flotida is not forecast until 6pm AEDT (3pm AWST).
Storm surge begins to rise in Sarasota
The areas of Sarasota County, including Fort Myers and Siesta Key are beginning to see the effects of the life-threatening storm surge.
The latest figures forecasted a 9ft - 12ft (2.7m - 3.6m), however with the last-minute change in direction of Hurricane Milton, the numbers could rise.
A photographer captured Brandon Marlow walking through surge waters that flooded the street after Hurricane Milton came ashore in the Sarasota area.
Water in Tampa Bay disappears as deadly storm surge grows
The water in Tampa Bay has almost disappeared as Hurricane Milton pulls the waters in a life-threatening storm surge which is currently decimating the Siesta Key area.
Storm surges of 15ft (4.5m) had been anticipated for the worst affected areas, however, local meteorologists are now saying the situation could be even worse.
Reporter Brian Entin braved the wild conditions to go to the end of the bay, capturing footage of sand, usually covered by meters of Tampa Bay waters.
First responders assistance ‘suspended’ as wind and rain picks up debris
Almost all emergency services have been “suspended” on the west coast of Florida as damaging winds and rain cause life-threatening conditions.
Police, ambulance and firefighter services are no longer able to help locals due to the risk to their own lives.
The wind and rain have continued to steadily pick up, as locals report seeing debris being picked up, launching through their air as deadly projectiles.
Eye of the storm leaves Sarasota
Atmospheric scientist, storm chaser and adventurer Matthew Cappucci chose to stay in Florida for the “once in a century” storm event.
Mr Cappucci captured the backside of the eye of Hurricane Milton, with wild winds, lightning flashes and wild rains thrashing the area.
‘Seek higher ground’: Catastrophic flash flood warning issued
The National Weather Service in the US has issued an unprecedented “flash flooding emergency” warning.
Many areas have recorded 25cm - 35cms of rain within just 60 minutes.
“Seek higher ground,” the emergency warning said.
The rain is expected to remain at a similar intensity for at least three hours, however, it could sustain for six hours
