Milton Hits, Wisconsin Set to Help

Hurricane Milton made landfall Wednesday night as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing life-threatening storm surge, heavy winds and rain.

Florida Senator Rick Scott gave an update on storm-related deaths in his region.

A flash flood emergency continues at this hour for portions of west-central Florida. The storm has left more than three million customers without power after coming ashore earlier at Siesta Key — a barrier island just south of Sarasota. It’s since been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of up to 85 miles per hour.

First responders in Florida say they’ve been limited in performing rescues because of the intense winds from Hurricane Milton.

Authorities are warning people in central Florida that even if they call 911, they will essentially be on their own until conditions are deemed safe for them to venture out into. They say that includes calls from people who have lost touch with family members or who are anxious about property damage.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin connects to the national stage.

The Red Cross yesterday said they are gearing-up, grabbing supplies and people to head to Florida after Milton made landfall late last night. The Red Cross’ Julie Zimmerman says there are 60 team members who are either ready to go to Florida, or already in the field because of Hurricane Helene. The Red Cross is, as always, asking for donations to help those who lost everything because of the storms.