This text appeared in the ‘Top Story’ email newsletter sent on Oct. 12, 2024.
For many living on the Florida Peninsula’s Gulf coast, the days leading up to Hurricane Milton’s landfall were filled with worry, anxiety, and uncertainty as the storm quickly became one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.Landfalling on the northern end of Siesta Key, Florida, at roughly 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, the then-Category 3 hurricane was still menacing, reaching wind speeds of 120 mph after topping out at 180 mph days prior.
