As Florida braces for the full impact of Hurricane Milton, the storm is already bringing dangerous weather across the state, including several tornadoes that have been caught on camera. One of the most dramatic events occurred Wednesday when a massive tornado crossed Interstate 75 near Miami.
Despite the tornado's ferocity, cars were still driving along the highway as the storm barreled through, forcing the National Weather Service to issue an urgent warning, "Seek shelter NOW!" via social media.
While South Florida faces intense weather conditions, areas further north, including the Tampa Bay region, are under a Tornado Watch. Milton, a powerful Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 155 mph, is set to make landfall early Thursday morning along the Florida Gulf Coast.
The storm's approach has prompted officials to close the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which spans the mouth of Tampa Bay. The region has not faced a direct hit from a hurricane in over a century, and officials are urging residents to evacuate as the risk of catastrophic storm surges looms.
In addition to the tornado near Miami, other funnel clouds have been reported, including one that touched down in the Everglades. These tornadoes, coupled with heavy rain and intense winds, are wreaking havoc in areas already on edge from the hurricane's approach.
Meteorologists warn that more tornadoes are likely to form as Hurricane Milton continues its northeastward trajectory, and flooding is expected to worsen with rainfall totals projected to reach up to 18 inches in some areas.
The combined threat of tornadoes and storm surge is pushing Florida's emergency services to their limits. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders across 11 counties, affecting nearly six million people.
For many residents who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene just two weeks prior, Milton is a terrifying repeat of the devastation that left homes and communities in shambles.