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.
‘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.
Hurricane Milton makes landfall bringing total devastation
The eye of the storm has made landfall.
Authorities originally expected the storm to make landfall near the area of Tampa, home to 3 million Americans.
Instead, the storm veered onto a new course, now making landfall near Siesta Key.
“Extremely dangerous category three Hurricane Milton makes landfall,” the US National Hurricane Center.
