Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida's west coast as a Category 3 hurricane Wednesday night. The monster storm roared ashore with life-threatening storm surge, powerful winds and flooding rains.
How to help communities impacted by Hurricane Milton
As Floridians come together to pick up the pieces amid extensive flooding, debris pileup, tornado damage and more, various charities and nonprofits are raising funds and accepting donations to support rescue and relief efforts.
Click here for a list of organizations.
Video captures moment 14-year-old boy is rescued from floodwaters
In Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, responders captured the moment they rescued a 14-year-old boy who had been trapped and floating on debris after he was submerged in floodwaters.
Sheriff Chad Chronister and #teamHCSO's Marine Unit rescued a 14-year-old boy who was submerged in floodwaters and floating on debris following Hurricane Milton. pic.twitter.com/mOInO7ZM0j
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 10, 2024
Disney World to reopen Friday
Disney World said it’s preparing to reopen its theme parks, Disney Springs and "possibly other areas" on Friday.
"Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm," Disney said in a statement.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
Hundreds rescued in Clearwater
Over 11,000 people evacuated coastal Pinellas County, which encompasses Clearwater and St. Petersburg, ahead of Hurricane Milton, according to a county emergency management official.
"We appreciate the cooperation of the residents, especially those on the barrier islands, who evacuated and helped minimize the impact of the storm," Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.
One of the most notable rescue operations in the county was at a Clearwater apartment complex, where rising waters threatened the lives of about 2,000 residents, officials said.
"We rescued approximately 430 people using high-water vehicles and boats," the sheriff said. "The water was so high that it reached the second-floor balconies of some apartments, but thankfully, many residents had moved to higher ground."
"Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported," he said.
-ABC News’ Jason Volack
Northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton moves ashore in Florida
The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton has come ashore in Florida with 120 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said.
"The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore of the Florida gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where an Extreme Wind Warning is now in effect. Please shelter in place as these extremely dangerous hurricane-force winds overspread the region," the NHC warned.