Hurricane Milton made a catastrophic landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, unleashing a storm surge and extensive flooding that left over 1 million households without power. The storm, fueled by warm Gulf waters, briefly reached Category 5 status before striking near Sarasota, marking the second major hurricane to impact the region in less than two weeks.
Key Updates on Hurricane Milton:
Storm Surge and Rainfall: Forecasters warned of storm surges reaching up to 13 feet, with rainfall totals of 10 to 14 inches reported so far.
Presidential Acknowledgment: Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert received a call from President Joe Biden, who recognized the unprecedented nature of the hurricane and the need for substantial federal aid for recovery efforts.
Downgraded to Category 2: Just an hour after landfall, Milton weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, with wind speeds decreasing to 110 mph, leading to further power outages and displacements.
Fatal Tornado: A tornado in Fort Pierce tragically resulted in multiple deaths at a retirement community, with ongoing search efforts for survivors.
Tampa Bay Water Levels: Milton’s powerful winds have caused a reverse storm surge in Tampa Bay, significantly lowering water levels—a phenomenon reminiscent of previous hurricanes.
Flash Flood Emergency: The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for the Tampa Bay area, warning of severe threats to life due to heavy rainfall and potential for immediate catastrophic flooding.
Wind Speeds: Wind speeds reached up to 102 mph in Tampa Bay, while the storm maintained Category 3 status near Sarasota before weakening.
Search and Rescue Operations: Reports indicate significant structural damage, with around 125 homes destroyed. Emergency shelters have opened, accommodating evacuees seeking safety.
Widespread Power Outages: Over 1 million homes and businesses lost power, with more than 70,000 outages reported within minutes of landfall.
Evacuations Ordered: Over 3 million residents in the Tampa Bay area were urged to evacuate prior to the hurricane’s arrival, with officials warning that staying behind could be life-threatening.
