Superstorm "monster" Milton hits the US: Water rises, transformer explodes, lights up the sky

The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surges to the United States, with heavy rains and destructive winds both near and far from the storm's eye, according to CNN. Milton will also maintain hurricane strength as it moves through central Florida through the morning of October 10 (local time).

Milton is the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the United States this year, joining Category 1 Hurricane Beryl, Category 1 Hurricane Debby, Category 2 Hurricane Francine and Category 4 Hurricane Helene.

This year, there have been more hurricanes hitting the United States than from 2021 to 2023 combined.

Hurricane Milton's wind field has doubled in size since yesterday - meaning its catastrophic impact is being spread across a much larger area. The tropical storm's winds are also expected to span the entire width of the Florida peninsula, stretching from Miami to Savannah.

As Hurricane Milton nears landfall, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has warned residents that it's time to shelter in place.

"As Hurricane Milton approaches Sarasota County, now is the time to shelter in place. Rescue workers are deployed and ready to go as soon as weather conditions allow. Search and rescue efforts will be ongoing to rescue residents before dawn and will continue until time runs out,"DeSantis said in a post on X.

Milton's strong winds are causing damage to hundreds of thousands of Floridians. According to PowerOutage.us, more than 600,000 homes and businesses in the state are without power.

Power outages are expected to continue to increase as Milton moves across the state overnight. Video from storm trackers at WxChasing in Florida shows blue flashes of what appear to be exploding transformers — a sign that power outages are imminent in some areas.

Major flooding is currently occurring in Naples as Storm Milton causes water levels to rise more than 1.1 metres above normal.

Blue lights appeared across the area as transformers exploded.

Somehow, the area near the city's international airport still has power. Every second it stays on seems like a miracle in this wind.

Just two weeks ago, during Hurricane Helene, storm surge levels in the area peaked at 4 feet even though the storm made landfall nearly 300 miles north of Naples, according to NOAA.

In Fort Myers, water levels are also approaching 3 feet above normal. Both locations have risen more than 12 inches in the past two hours. Flash flood warnings have been issued for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said at least 19 tornadoes have been confirmed in Florida and 116 tornado warnings have been issued across the state.