Hurricane Milton 2024

Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful and devastating Atlantic hurricane which became the second-most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico, behind only Hurricane Rita from 2005. Milton made landfall on the west coast of the U.S. state of Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the state's Big Bend region. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton was the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2024 so far and the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area since 1921. Milton formed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance that originated in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5. Gradual intensification occurred as it slowly moved eastward, becoming a hurricane early on October 7. Later that day, Milton underwent explosive intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 156 knots. At peak intensity, it had a pressure of 897 millibars, making it the fifth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Milton fluctuated in intensity after an eyewall replacement cycle, re-intensifying into a Category 5 hurricane the following day. Increasing wind shear caused the hurricane to weaken as it turned northeast towards Florida, falling to Category 3 before making landfall near Siesta Key late on October 9. Afterwards, Milton rapidly weakened as it moved across the state into the Atlantic Ocean, and became extratropical on October 10 as it became embedded within a frontal zone. The remnants gradually weakened and passed near the island of Bermuda before dissipating on October 12. 

Ahead of the hurricane, Florida declared a state of emergency in which many coastal residents were ordered to evacuate. Preparations were also undertaken in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The hurricane spawned a deadly tornado outbreak and caused widespread flooding in Florida.  Hurricane Milton killed at least 26 people: 23 in the United States and three in Mexico. Preliminary damage estimates are to be at least US$30 billion.

Marina 1 in Punta Gorda, was the most single hit marina with over a dozen yachts sank and or with important damage.

M/y Indigo a 2015 Marlow 88 seems to be the most high profile of the damaged yachts from Hurricane Milton.

Here is three grounded boats, a Chris Craft aft cabin and Hatteras sportfish in Manasota Key.  Two nearby boats a Sea Ray and Post sportfish also partly sank.

More damage from the storm surge at Manasota Key, above and below as boats end on the terraces of nearby homes.