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.
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
Horrifying footage from a research boat on the Gulf of Mexico
A research boat in the Gulf of Mexico has captured the wild conditions at sea as Hurricane Milton approached land.
The vessel battled 22ft waves (8m) as it captured vital data on the storm system.
‘Power flashes’ reported across Florida’s coast
As heavy rains and ferocious winds thrash Florida, powerlines are being ripped to the ground.
Those remaining in the area have reported hundreds of terrifying explosions, sparks and flashes as live powerlines
Authorities are urging anyone who sees a liver powerline down not to go near it or near water it may be close to.
Eerie vision from within the eye of Hurricane Milton
Storm chasers and some locals ignored the pleas of authorities to evacuate and have remained in the direct path of Hurricane Milton.
Self-described ‘hardcore hurricane chaser’ Josh Mogerman uploaded a video from within the eye of the storm, describing it as “deeply calm” and “absolutely spectacular”.
How strong is Milton now it has hit the coast?
Hurricane Milton has hit Florida’s coast with sustained winds of 205 km/h.
The Category Three storm is now set to begin its journey north-east along Florida’s mainland, before moving out into the Atlantic over the coming hours.
The winds are expected to transport inland with Hurricane Milton, threatening the lives of anyone in its way.
The storm is expected to move dangerously close to Orlando, Florida, with its exact path currently unclear.
