Climate scientists and meteorologists say the appearance of tornadoes before and during hurricanes isn’t unusual, but the twisters’ ferocity ahead of Milton's arrival was.

As Hurricane Milton approached Florida’s coast, authorities warned of catastrophic flooding and dangerous winds. But among its most devastating impacts is one many people didn’t expect: a rash of unusually powerful tornadoes.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Florida as Hurricane Milton approaches the state. The watch issued before 8:30 a.m. Eastern time runs until 9 p.m. and for now includes Brevard,