Milton Was Deadly, but Not ‘Worst-Case Scenario’

Despite making landfall near Sarasota as a Category 3 storm and spinning out a record number of tornadoes, winds and flooding were less damaging than expected.

A resident tows an air mattress with people on it through streets flooded because of Hurricane Milton in Tampa, Fla., on Oct. 10, 2024. Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

TAMPA, Fla.—After more than a week of watching, worrying, and speculating, Floridians came face to face with Hurricane Milton.

There was damage in Milton’s wake, as well as tragedies. At least 10 people lost their lives because of the storm.