Hurricane Milton batters Florida leaving more than three million without power

Ron Rook, who said he was looking for people in need of help or debris to clear, walks through windy and rainy conditions on a deserted street in downtown Tampa during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Picture: AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Hurricane Milton brought misery to a coast still ravaged by Helene as it ploughed into Florida as a Category 3 storm, pounding cities with winds of over 100 mph (160 kph) after producing a barrage of tornadoes.

But the storm spared Tampa a direct hit.