Editor's note: See Thursday's live report here.
Update: 'Multiple fatalities' reported in Spanish Lakes following tornado.
Hurricane Milton made landfall at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm on Florida's west coast. Now Milton will begin passing across the state and exit on Florida's east coast.
The Treasure Coast will start to feel Milton's effects Wednesday. Indian River and St. Lucie counties remain under hurricane warnings. Martin County remains under a hurricane watch, as well as a tropical storm warning. The entire Treasure Coast is under a flood watch.
Here's the latest information regarding Milton's impacts Wednesday on the Treasure Coast.
11:50 p.m. - Hurricane Milton begins to weaken
The Treasure Coast should brace Wednesday night and early Thursday morning for tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds as Hurricane Milton, now a Category 2 storm, makes its way across Florida, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
As of about 11 p.m. Wednesday, Milton had sustained winds of 105 mph. Milton was 75 miles southwest of Orlando and 100 miles west southwest of Cape Canaveral.
The Treasure Coast could expect 40-55 mph winds with gusts of 65-75 overnight.
10:50 p.m. - Port Salerno damage from a suspected tornado
U.S. Highway 1 in Port Salerno is closed near Cove Road after a suspected tornado caused significant damage to structures, trees, light poles and power lines on the highway, Martin County Fire Rescue posted on X at 9:33 p.m. Wednesday.
"It’s estimated that dozens of homes have been damaged, some severely," the agency wrote on X. "There have been minor/serious injuries, however, there have been no fatalities reported at this time."
The suspected tornado happened around 5:40 p.m. and Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue vehicles blocked both southbound lanes of U.S. 1 starting at the intersection with Southeast Morningside Dr., said Fire Rescue spokesperson Cory Pippin.
Hurricane Milton:Multiple suspected tornadoes cause damage in Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach
10:30 p.m. - NWS rainfall and tornado count totals for Wednesday
Forty-two tornado warnings were issued Wednesday by the National Weather Service in Melbourne across its 10-county coverage area, which includes the Treasure Coast and as far north as Volusia County and west to Okeechobee, Lake and Osceola counties.
More than 7.7 inches of rain fell at the Vero Beach Airport since about 3 a.m., while 6.9 inches was reported in Sebastian and 7.5 inches just north of Vero Beach, according to the National Weather Center Melbourne.
The Port St. Lucie area received roughly 2.5 to 4 inches of rain in the last 24 hours. Stuart logged an inch to 2.75 inches.
10:19 p.m. - 'Hundreds of homes' damaged in St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County was hit between six and 12 suspected tornadoes Wednesday, according to St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. He estimates hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in the county.
Search-and-rescue efforts were still ongoing in Lakewood Park shortly after 10 p.m., St. Lucie County spokesman Erick Gill said. The Florida National Guard, sent in by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is assisting with efforts.
There were reports of dozens of homes being damaged, along with an unknown number of fatalities, in the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village community.
"We've got all the resources out here," Pearson said. "(I'm) not going to confirm the number of fatalities, but there's multiple fatalities from this in this specific area, and we're going to be out here until we know that we rescued everybody from these homes that have been completely destroyed.”
Gill said it was unclear if those rescued from the damaged homes would be placed in the three shelters the county opened in advance of Hurricane Milton's arrival.
There were still plenty of spots available at all three shelters as of 10 p.m. Gill said there were 235 people at Westwood Academy, which can accommodate 750 people; 45 people at the Havert L. Fenn Center, which also can accommodate 750; and 84 people at Treasure Coast High School, which can accommodate 1,100.
Heading into the overnight hours, Gill urged people to stay inside until the hurricane has passed through and avoid calling 911 except in genuine emergencies.
9:55 p.m. - Indian River County shelters
The Freshman Learning Center in Vero Beach is the only shelter with operating phone lines, all other shelters have phone lines down, according to Indian River County Spokeswoman Kathy Copeland.
"If you call the citizen information line at 772-226-4000, they can relay your message through the Ham radio operators at the EOC," said Copeland.
9:30 p.m. - FPUA restorations resume restoration
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority resumed restoration efforts earlier this evening after a brief suspension due to severe weather conditions in the Fort Pierce Area. FPUA crews are working through the night to restore power for thousands of residents. Nearly 4,000 residents lost power at the peak of the outages.
Terrance Mann, a spokesperson for FPUA, said the outages were caused by “broken poles and damaged equipment from high winds and several tornadoes.”
After restoration efforts, FPUA now reports 387 customers are impacted by 20 separate outage events as of 9:30 p.m.
Full assessment of the damage and scope of restoration are undetermined at this time, Mann said.
9 p.m. - No fatalities in Indian River County from tornadoes
Two suspected tornadoes touched down within Vero Beach city limits and Indian River County Sheriff Sgt. Kevin Jaworski said there were no reported fatalities as of 8:56 p.m.
Forest Service, National Guard and other EOC operatives are going house to house checking on the Central Beach neighborhood, according to City Manager Monte Falls.
"Vero Beach Police Department is (the) lead agency with partners from EOC going door to door in Central Beach neighborhood," said Falls.
An excess of 9 inches of rain fell throughout Vero Beach over the last 24 hours, according to Falls. The National Weather Service Melbourne forecast was 2-4 inches.
The City of Vero Beach has suspended cleanup efforts for the night due to darkness and upcoming winds, according to City Manager Monte Falls.
There is no curfew on Wednesday night in Vero Beach.
8:45 p.m. - Damage reported in Martin County
Trees and live wires are down, houses have been destroyed and neighborhoods are impassable in Martin County. It's "absolutely atrocious," said Martin County Sheriff William Snyder. "It's a mess."
None of the deputies nor Snyder suffered any injuries because of the storm, but Snyder had to run from a tornado, Snyder said.
He urged people to stay indoors and off the roads. "I'm begging people," he said.
8:30 p.m. - Hurricane Milton makes landfall
Hurricane Milton roared onshore near Siesta Key at 8:30 p.m. as a powerful Category 3 hurricane with estimated wind speeds of 120 mph.
The storm crashed into the state just south of the Tampa Bay region, more than 260 miles away from Perry, where Helene made landfall less than two weeks ago as a powerful category 4 hurricane.
8 p.m. - Curfew in place
Martin County has issued a curfew beginning Wednesday at 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. Thursday.
“Due to the significant damage caused by multiple tornadoes in Martin County, as well as dangerous and deteriorating weather conditions expected throughout the night, Sheriff William Snyder is implementing a countywide curfewfrom 9 PM to 6 AM, effective immediately," Sheriff's Office spokesperson Christine Christofek said. "If you have a legitimate reason to be out during curfew hours, please be prepared to inform deputies of your circumstances.”
7:50 p.m. - Fatalities and tornado damage reported in St. Lucie County
Multiple fatalities are being reported at Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in Lakewood Park, a neighborhood in St. Lucie County north of Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson told WPTV.
St. Lucie County, assisted by the Florida National Guard and neighboring counties, has sent search-and-rescue teams to evacuate people from homes in Indian River Estates and Lakewood Park, county spokesman Erick Gill said.
"We know that it's dozens of homes," Gill said. "Our goal is to go in there and get those people out before the tropical force winds hit our area."
Gill said rescue workers were scouring the neighborhoods, seeking to get those displaced by the first round of severe weather to temporary shelter before conditions worsen again.
"At some point, crews won't be able to get out there because of the winds," Gill said.
Although some residents have been outside, surveying and in some cases filming damage caused by the suspected tornadoes, Gill urged them to return to shelter before the second wave of the storm arrives.
One of Port St. Lucie's top emergency management officials was personally affected by the storm's destruction when a suspected tornado took out his home in northwest Fort Pierce.
Billy Weinshank, Port St. Lucie's emergency operations division director, was at work when the storm struck his home, where seven people and "a couple" of pets were staying, said Sarah Prohaska, the city's communications director.
"His house is pretty much destroyed," Prohaska said.
All of the people and pets were evacuated safely. Weinshank took a brief timeout from his official duties to help his family members relocate, then he returned to work, Prohaska said.
Prohaska didn't have information on how the people staying in the house were related to Weinshank.
"I know some of them had traveled there from other parts of the state," Prohaska said.
7:40 p.m. - FPUA power restoration efforts are temporarily suspended
Thousands of more residents on the Treasure Coast were reported to have lost power at 7:30 p.m.
Florida Power and Light reported outages for 25,380 customers in Indian River County, 22,620 customers in St. Lucie County and 19,010 customers in Martin County.
Fort Pierce Utilities Authority announced on Facebook that “all restoration efforts have been temporarily suspended” due to the increasing threat of tornadoes in the Fort Pierce area. FPUA reported outages for 3,894 customers as of 7:30 p.m.
In a 7 p.m. Hurricane Milton advisory from the city of Port St. Lucie, they advised residents to stay off the roads due to "increasingly hazardous conditions" like:
- Confirmed tornadoes
- Down traffic lights
- Down trees
- Down powerlines
- Water on the roads
7:30 p.m. - Flooding and damage in Indian River County
Streets and neighborhoods are beginning to see some flooding in Indian River County, including at the Vero Beach Regional Airport.
“We have never seen flooding at the Vero Beach Regional Airport like this before,” according to Vero Beach Regional Airport Director Todd Scher. “The runways are underwater, and the newly formed lake extends from the Piper Aircraft Building to 43rd Ave.”
In downtown Vero Beach, air conditioning units, downed tree limbs and remnants of sheds litter an alleyway east of 15th Ave. and north of 23rd St.
Tree trimming crews are making their way down 23rd St. cleaning up the debris before Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall. A tree is also down in front of First Baptist Church.
A United States Postal Service mail truck is flipped over off of 13th Avenue and 21st Street in downtown Vero Beach. A railroad crossing
7 p.m. - Bridge closures in Indian River County
Due to safety concerns related to flooding and downed power lines, the Merrill P. Barber and 17th Street bridges are temporarily closed. First responders are assessing damage and assisting with any necessary evacuations. Please avoid the area and allow emergency crews to work.The Wabasso Bridge is currently passable, said Indian River County Spokesperson Kathy Copeland.
6:40 p.m. - Flash flood warning continues
A flash flood warning continues for parts of Indian River and St. Lucie counties until 7:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
It is impassable on 43rd Ave., south of 49th St. in Gifford due to deep water where three cars are stuck.
6:35 p.m. - Widespread power outages
Swaths of reported power outages increased across the Treasure Coast at 6:30 p.m.
Florida Power and Light reported outages for 12,930 customers in Indian River County, 20,620 customers in St. Lucie County and 4,030 customers in Martin County. Fort Pierce Utilities Authority reported outages for 4,020 customers in Fort Pierce.
6:30 p.m. - Officials speak on suspected tornado damage
Mariner Sands, a housing development in Martin County, has its entrances blocked by falling trees with deputies and fire rescue having to cut through with chainsaws to get in to respond to calls, according to Martin County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Christine Weiss told WPTV on a broadcasted phone call.
Images and videos of suspected tornado damage have been posted to the Martin County Sheriff's Office Facebook page showing damage in Palm City, Port Salerno and Stuart.
6:20 p.m. - Local restaurant stays open for customers
In downtown Jensen Beach Wednesday evening Lures Riverfront Restaurant roars with locals and regulars enjoy the company at the bar ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall.
One of the owners, Michael Denyea said he expected a big crowd with the hurricane approaching, but he wanted to keep everyone safe. The outside bar was closed due to the weather, but the inside was still open for patrons.
"We're not trying to put people in danger, but we're trying to feed as many people as we can," Denyea said. "There's gonna be winds, I just closed the outside bar, but I don't want to put anybody in jeopardy."
'We take care of our people:'Jensen Beach restaurant serves patrons as Milton nears Florida
6 p.m. - Tornado warnings issued for parts of Treasure Coast
Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Martin, Indian River and St. Lucie counties until 6:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
5:50 p.m. - Caterers serve Port St. Lucie police officers
Seven employees at Puff ‘n Stuff, a catering company based in Orlando and Tampa, served dinner for officers at Port St. Lucie Police Department on Wednesday after 5 p.m. during the leadup to Hurricane Milton.
“We’re feeding the people that are taking care of us,” said Mika Brutes, a server at Puff ‘n Stuff.
The Puff ‘n Stuff serving crew said after the meal they would brave the storm — which by then was a tornado warning — and head back home to Winter Park.
“We’re going to try to drive slow,” Brutes said.
5:40 p.m. - Warnings continue to be extended
A flash flood warning for eastern Indian River County and northeastern St. Lucie County is in place until 7:30 p.m.
A tornado warning for Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce and Hutchinson Island South is in place until 6:00 p.m, according to National Weather Service. A tornado warning including Jensen Beach FL, Hobe Sound FL and Port Salerno FL is in place until 6:15 PM EDT
5:30 p.m. - Widespread power outages being reported
12,160 Florida Power & Light customers in St. Lucie County were experiencing outages at 5:30 p.m.
4,080 Fort Pierce Utilities Authority customers in Fort Pierce were experiencing outages at 6 p.m.,
Hurricane Milton:Check power outage trackers for FPL, FPUA and nationwide
5:25 p.m. - Two suspected tornadoes were reported on the Treasure Coast
Two more suspected tornados were reported on the Treasure Coast by the National Weather Service. One was in Palm City at 5:13 p.m. and moving north at 40 mph, according to radar, weather officials said. Another large and dangerous suspected tornado was over the Treasure Coast International Airport at 5:09 p.m. moving north at 35 mph. It was reported by the public, weather officials said.
5:12 p.m. - Tornado warning issued for northwestern St. Lucie, Martin counties
A tornado warning has been issued for northwestern St. Lucie County as of 5:03 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. A thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Fort Pierce at 5:01 p.m. and moving north at 55 mph.
A tornado warning remains in effect until 5:30 p.m. for southeastern and central Martin counties, according to the National Weather Service.
5:05 p.m. - Tornado warning extended for parts of Martin, St. Lucie counties
Another tornado warning has been issued for central Martin County and southeastern St. Lucie County until 5:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located eight miles southeast of Indiantown at 4:58 p.m. and was moving north at 40 mph. It could affect Palm City, Stuart, Jensen Beach, North River Shores and Port St. Lucie.
5:00 p.m. - Tornado located north of Tradition, more damage emerges
A suspected tornado was located on radar 10 miles north of Tradition at 4:44 p.m. moving north at 35 mph., according to the National Weather Service.
About 20 homes in the Holiday Pines neighborhood in Lakewood Park sustained damage, said St. Lucie County spokesperson Erick Gill.
"We probably won't have damage estimates until well after the storm has passed," Gill said. "So far, there are no reports of any injuries."
4:50 p.m. - Precautionary boil water notice issued
The Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department is issuing a precautionary boil water notice for water customers beginning tonight at 8 p.m.
"This action is being taken in an abundance of caution to protect the health of our PSLUSD customers," according to 4 p.m. Hurricane Milton advisory from the city of Port St. Lucie. "The ground is already soft from recent heavy rains, combined with potential flooding, the threat of strong winds and downed trees, there is an increased possibility of damage to the system’s water mains. By boiling water as a precaution, customers will be protected in the case of potential water main breaks."
Residents are encouraged to fill containers with tap water before 8 p.m. to ensure they have safe drinking water to use throughout the storm. Customers who plan to use any water for consumption after 8 p.m. tonight should boil water for at least two minutes before using.
Once the storm passes and PSLUSD facilities have been fully reviewed and approved for service, the precautionary boil water notice will be lifted.
4:40 p.m. - Suspected tornado in Vero Beach
A tornado was over Vero Beach Highland at 4:27 p.m. and heading north at 15 mph, according to the National Weather Service. It was expected to be around Indian River Shores and Pointe West at 4:40 p.m., around Winter Beach at about 4:50 p.m. and near Wabasso at about 5 p.m.
A tornado warning is extended for parts of St. Lucie County until 5:15 p.m.
4:20 p.m. - Tornado warnings continue
A tornado warning has been extended until 5 pm. for parts of Indian River County. In the area between Vero Beach and Sebastian, a massive squall powered through for almost an hour.
A tornado warning has been issued for southwestern St. Lucie County and western Martin County until 4:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. A storm capable of producing a tornado was located over J and S Fish Camp at 4:20 p.m. and moving north at 40 mph.
A tree is down on State Road 60 near Vero Beach Police headquarters, according to Vero Beach City Manager Monte Falls. "Tornado was also spotted at the intersection of Commerce Ave. and 17th St."
4:15 p.m. - Damage reported throughout St. Lucie County
A steel storage building used by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office was destroyed "in a matter of seconds" as the winds began to pick up Wednesday afternoon.
In a video posted on the office's Facebook page, St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson urged residents to seek shelter indoors, while pointing to the destroyed building in the background.
"Don't worry, all of our deputies are safe," Pearson said. The 10,000-square-foot building, located in the 4700 block of Midway Road, was used for storing vehicles and other equipment.
"It was completely gone in a matter of seconds," Pearson said.
Erick Gill, a spokesman for the St. Lucie County government, said there have been numerous other reports of damage caused by tornadoes and other high winds throughout the county, including Torino, Rosser, Glades Cut Off and Gatlin.
No injuries had been reported as of 4 p.m., Gill said.
4:10 p.m. - Tornado popped up in Martin County
A suspected tornado was reported near the Stuart, Port Salerno area along US-1 near Cove Rd., according to the National Weather Service.
Tornado warnings are extended for parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties until 4:45 p.m. Tornado warnings for parts of eastern Indian River County are in place until 5 p.m.
4:00 p.m. - Downed power lines, tornado warnings extended
Eastern Indian River County is under a tornado warning until 4:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Radar indicated rotation in a thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado. At 3:45 p.m. the thunderstorm was over Winter Beach moving north at 35 mph.
Indian River County Sheriff's Office is reporting downed powerlines at the 300 block of 27th Ave.
3:45 p.m. - Tornado located in Palm City, 2-4 inches of rain has fallen
A tornado was located near Palm City heading north at 35 mph at 3:34 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. It will be near White City, Fort Pierce and Indian River Estates at about 3:50 p.m. South Hutchinson Island is expected to be impacted by the related storm.
Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to occur shortly. Two to four inches of rain has fallen and two to four more are possible. The flooding is expected to affect creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses, low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage.
3:30 p.m. - Flash flood warning, tornado watch for the Treasure Coast
All of east-central Florida is under a tornado watch for Wednesday afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.
A tornado watch means weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe storms and tornadoes. Be prepared by knowing your safe location and being ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Flash flood warnings have been issued until 6:30 p.m. for St. Lucie and Martin counties and parts of Indian River. For safety, it is recommended to not drive or walk through flood waters and move to higher ground, according to the National Weather Service.
3:22 p.m. - At least six tornadoes were reported according to Martin County Fire Rescue
Martin County Fire Rescue reported at least six tornadoes have touched down in the area, stating "there are likely more yet to be reported and likely more to come," on their social media.
The National Weather Service Melbourne reports "a very strong" rotation moving into southern Indian River County.
A tornado warning has been issued for southeastern St. Lucie County and central Martin County until 4 p.m. A storm capable of producing a tornado was located near Indiantown at 3:21 p.m. and was moving north at 40 mph.
3:10 p.m. - What is expected in Indian River, Martin counties from Milton
The tornado warning in part of Indian River County was extended to 3:45 p.m. by the National Weather Service. Tornado warnings in Fort Pierce, Sebastian and Vero Beach were also extended until 3:45 p.m.
Officials addressed residents at a 1:30 p.m. press conference before the anticipated overnight or early Thursday morning arrival of Hurricane Milton. Here are some highlights from the conference, for the full rundown click here:
- Sustained wind speeds of 45-55 mph were “guaranteed” in the area while wind gusts of 70-80 mph or higher are possible.
- Bridges will close with 45 mph sustained winds, which are expected here in the early morning hours.
- Space is available at local shelters with only 354 people in shelters with a total capacity of 5,000.
- First responders will not be sent to 911 calls when winds reach sustained 45 mph. Emergency calls will be queued and answered based on priority after the winds die down.
At a 1 p.m. briefing at the Martin County Emergency Operations Center, officials said they are prepared for whatever comes the county’s way from Hurricane Milton.
3 p.m. - Tornado warnings continue
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was passing through North River Shores at 2:52 p.m.
Tornado warnings are extended for parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties until 3:45 p.m.
2:50 p.m. - Tornado warnings continue on the Treasure Coast
The National Weather Service confirmed a large and extremely dangerous tornado located 7 miles northeast of Fort Drum, moving north at 30 mph.
A tornado warning continues for parts of Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties until 3:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Melbourne.
2:30 p.m. - Expect tornado warnings throughout Wednesday afternoon
A tornado warning continues for St. Lucie County until 3:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. A tornado warning for Indian River County continues until 3 p.m.
Two tornadoes were reported on the ground in the last few minutes, prompting tornado warnings on and off throughout the afternoon. One was near mile marker 109 on I-95 in Martin County and another northwest of Okeechobee on U.S. 98.
2 p.m. - Tornado warnings remain in effect on Treasure Coast
Tornado warnings for Indian River County and western Martin County, including Indiantown, remain in effect until 2:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes were reported around J&S Fish Camp in Okeechobee and 7 miles south of Blue Cypress Lake.
Another tornado warning was issued for St. Lucie County until 2:45 p.m. A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Palm City, moving north at 30 mph.
1:35 p.m. - Another thunderstorm prompts tornado warnings
New tornado warnings were issued for St. Lucie and Martin counties until 2:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. At 1:31 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles southeast of Indiantown, moving north at 35 mph.
1:30 p.m. - Extended tornado warnings for St. Lucie, Indian River
Tornado warnings were extended again for St. Lucie County and Indian River County and would be in effect until 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. A storm cell continues to move north along the western edge of the Treasure Coast.
At 1:24 p.m., a confirmed tornado was located near Fort Drum by Florida's Turnpike, moving north at 30 mph, according to the NWS.
1 p.m. - Tornado warnings extended for Treasure Coast
Tornado warnings issued earlier for Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties have been extended to 1:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
A confirmed tornado touched down at Port Mayaca on the east side of Lake Okeechobee, according to the NWS. It was reported as a full tornado, not a wedge tornado. The actual size and tornado rating isn't known until after the area can be assessed.
Find out more about the updated tornado warnings.
12:50 p.m. - North Bridge, South Bridge close tonight
Bridges to North and South Hutchinson islands will close at 8 p.m., announced St. Lucie County officials. The only people allowed to cross after 8 p.m. will be first responders and residents with emergencies. The bridges will remain closed until the winds die down. No curfew is planned.
St. Lucie County has the potential to experience hurricane force winds, which are 74 mph or more, on Thursday. Tropical storm wind gusts were expected on Wednesday afternoon. The potential for tornadoes is high as outer bands reach the area. The potential for flooding increases Thursday.
All schools across the Treasure Coast are closed for the rest of the week. The next St. Lucie County news conference was moved from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Here's everything you need to know from the latest news conference.
12:30 p.m. - Tornado warnings issued for St. Lucie, Indian River
Tornado warnings were issued for St. Lucie County and Indian River County and will stay in effect until 1 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. A tornado was spotted moving north near Lake Okeechobee.
Click here to find out more about the tornado warnings.
12 p.m. - Tornado warning issued for Martin County
A tornado warning was issued for Martin County and will stay in effect until 12:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
With a tornado warning, a tornado has been spotted or indicated on weather radar, meaning a tornado is occurring or expected soon. People in the area should take action because there is imminent danger to life and property. Seek shelter immediately in the safest location possible.
11:35 a.m. - West Coast residents evacuate to Stuart
Gary Modrcin, 72, and his wife, Ann Modrcin, 63, were sitting at an outdoor table at Maria’s Café in downtown Stuart. They drove Tuesday from Parrish, which is near Bradenton, because the storm surge was expected to be 10-15 feet.
They Modrcines came to Stuart after they determined how far they could get round trip on one tank of fuel. “There's no gasoline at all in the area that we left,” Gary Modrcin said. “We filled up two days ago.”
They had planned to stay during the storm, but they were in the first evacuation zone. They brought their 14-year-old corgi, Ellie, and were staying at a hotel in downtown Stuart.
11:25 a.m. - Waves, wind start to pick up
The tide from large ocean swells nearly reached the steps of beachside stairs at Conn Beach Boardwalk in Vero Beach. Wind gusts reached about 14 mph.
Here's how to watch live beach cameras across the Treasure Coast.
11 a.m. - Latest update from emergency officials
Emergency officials across the Treasure Coast plan to give the latest updates about Hurricane Milton at news conferences staggered throughout the afternoon.
St. Lucie County has a noon news conference, then Martin County has a 1 p.m. news conference, and then Indian River County has a 1:30 p.m. news conference.
Find out more about the Martin County news conference.
10:45 a.m. - Stores start to close before Milton
In Martin County, the Publix locations in Stuart and Palm City closed. The Walmart in Stuart also closed and will determine Thursday when it will reopen.
In St. Lucie County, the Publix location in Sabal Palm Plaza in Fort Pierce closed. The eight Walmart and Sam’s Clubs locations across St. Lucie County closed.
Keep checking here for the latest on what’s closed.
10:15 a.m. - No decision on bridge closures yet
St. Lucie County Public Safety Director Ron Guerrero said the county hopes to make a decision on when to close the bridges to North and South Hutchinson islands by 1 p.m.
“Our main concern is the wind,” Guerrero said. “We’re under hurricane warning and tropical storm sustained winds will go all the way up to 73 miles per hour. Obviously, anything over 35, 40 miles per hour sustained is a concern to go over that bridge.”
Drawbridges in St. Lucie and Martin counties were locked down Tuesday, according to the Florida Department of Transportation. While drawbridges will be closed to boat traffic, vehicular traffic still has access.
Here are details about where the drawbridges are located.
9:45 a.m. - Residents arrive at shelters
More than 80 people already have arrived to St. Lucie County’s three shelters, according to officials. As of Wednesday morning, 86 people were staying in shelters at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Treasure Coast High School and the Havert L. Fenn Center.
The first two shelters are pet friendly and for the general population while the third shelter is for special medical needs. They opened at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
Here are more Treasure Coast shelters opening today.
9:30 a.m. - Busy home improvement stores
In Indian River County, there was a flurry of activity at home improvement stores with several people seen early Wednesday making last minute purchases ahead of the approach of Hurricane Milton.
At both Lowe’s and Home Depot in Vero Beach, a number of people were seen buying or loading plywood into vehicles Wednesday morning. Hours of operation at both stores could vary depending on weather conditions, but the Home Depot on 58th Avenue was expected to close at 8 p.m. while Lowe’s on State Road 60 could close as early as 5 p.m.
Walmart Supercenter on S.R. 60 in Vero Beach closed Wednesday because of the approaching storm, and its hours Thursday were to be determines, according to signs on doors at closed store entrances and exits. Multiple vehicles passed slowly through the parking lot with some drivers stopping to see if it was open.
At the nearby Target, a long line had formed near store checkout aisles with several shoppers seen throughout the store. A pallet with some bottled water remained near the store entrance, but stocks on shelves of some items like bread and bottled water appeared to dwindle while other non-perishable food and beverages still were seen on shelves. The store will be open until 10 p.m.
Find out more about how Indian River County is preparing.
8:50 a.m. - No releases from Lake Okeechobee
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers isn’t making any releases from Lake Okeechobee before Hurricane Milton’s arrival, according to a new release. It’s actively monitoring the lake and the Herbert Hoover Dike, which was inspected last week after Hurricane Helene.
As the lake level rises throughout the storm, the frequency of dike inspections increases so any potential issues are detected and addressed quickly. Per standard procedure, all structures on the lake will be closed during the storm to maintain the integrity of the dike.
8:20 a.m. - Tornado watch issued
A tornado watch was issued for Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties until 9 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Treasure Coast officials urged residents to finish their hurricane preparations Wednesday morning and then stay off the roadways.
A tornado watch means weather conditions could lead to the formation of severe storms and tornadoes. Be prepared by knowing your safe location and being ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
Based on NWS models, one of the heaviest bands of rain approaching the Treasure Coast is projected to hit the area about 1 p.m., said NWS meteorologist Tim Sedlock.
“There are going to be on-and-off rounds of rain bands, especially throughout the rest of the afternoon,” Sedlock said. “That's when you should have your major decisions made about whether to leave or hunker down in place.”
Find out more when winds and rain will increase.
8 a.m. - Minor power outages reported
Here’s where things stand on power heading into the day: 10 outages in Indian River County, 7 outages in St. Lucie County and 2 outages in Martin County, according to FPL.
No outages were reported in Fort Pierce by FPUA. The numbers can be used as a baseline before weather conditions start to change later today ahead of Hurricane Milton.
Check out power outage trackers for FPL, FPUA and nationwide.
7:15 a.m. - Sunrise shows rough surf
As the sun rises across the Treasure Coast, rough surf continues across its beaches. There is a high risk of rip currents along all Central Florida beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. That means numerous strong, life-threatening rip currents.
Residents and visitors are strongly urged to stay out of the surf, according to the NWS. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
Check out beach conditions on these live cameras.
6:30 a.m. - Brewery closes water station
Walking Tree Brewery in Vero Beach closed its filtered-water station on the brewery’s porch, where people could fill their containers ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival.
The brewery and its restaurant, Salvador Deli, plan to stay open until 7 p.m., serving beer and food. It will be closed throughout Thursday, so it’s offering $2 off to-go beer.
Click here to find out what's still open.
6 a.m. - High-water trucks ready
Martin County Fire Rescue will have its two high-water trucks each staffed with two members of its swift-water team at Station 14 near Stuart Beach and Station 33 in Hobe Sound. Plus, Station 33 will have its inflatable boat strapped in the high-water vehicle.
So far, the agency is operating as normal, continually monitoring the storm and making sure station supplies are robust and equipment is ready for response, said Fire Rescue spokesperson Cory Pippin.
Click here for the latest on flooded roads.
5 a.m. - Police patrol gas stations, stores
Port St. Lucie police will have additional patrols at gas stations and stores for people still preparing for Hurricane Milton. There also will be increased road patrols.
Most chain stores remained open Tuesday across the Treasure Coast, with a few Walmart locations in Indian River and St. Lucie counties closing Tuesday night in anticipation of the storm. Publix stores also have modified hours across the Treasure Coast. Customers can check the status of their store online.
Click here for more information on closings.
Laurie K. Blandfordis TCPalm'sentertainmentreporterdedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Email her atlaurie.blandford@tcpalm.com.
