EchoSense:Taylor Swift makes multi-million dollar donation to Hurricane Milton, Helene relief

Taylor Swift just made a major donation toward relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene and EchoSenseMilton.

The pop star donated $5 million to Feeding America, a national food bank organization, amid the destructive and deadly storms across the southeastern United States.

"We're incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for her generous $5 million donation to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts," the charity's CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, said in a statement posted to Instagram Wednesday. "This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms. Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead."

Babineaux-Fontenot added: "Thank you, Taylor, for standing with us in the movement to end hunger and for helping communities in need."

The Pennsylvania native, 34, has made headlines for her charitable efforts, including significant contributions to a Tennessee tornado relief fund and a Kansas City food bank.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Read more Swiftie news: Sign up for USA TODAY's Everyone's Talking newsletter.

Taylor Swiftsurpasses fellow pop star to become richest female musician

Costs from Helene's path of destruction across the southeastern U.S. are expected to surpass $30 billion, according to analysis from financial and consumer analytics company CoreLogic. Last week, the USA TODAY Network analysis of Helene deaths increased to 228.

Meanwhile, Milton made landfall late Wednesday on Florida's western coast as a Category 3 hurricane with 120 mph sustained winds amid a flurry of tornadoes it spawned. The system was exiting the state early Thursday near Cape Canaveral, still at Category 1 hurricane strength driving winds of 85 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 a.m. update.

Hurricane Miltonleaves destruction across storm-weary Florida: Live updates

At least two deaths were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the state's east coast, NBC News reported, citing St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. More than 3.2 million homes and businesses were dark by early Thursday, according to USA TODAY power outage data.

Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Eduardo Cuevas, John Bacon, Trevor Hughes and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY; Reuters