Authorities are evaluating the damage caused by the powerful cyclone that caused human losses, structural damage, power outages and flooding in the different counties of Florida.
10 Oct, 2024 08:14 a.m. EST
Hurricane Milton caused high winds, a deadly storm surge and flooding across much of Florida after making landfall on the Gulf Coast as a Category 3 storm. After weakening to a category 1 storm As it moved through Florida early Thursday, there were widespread power outages affecting 3 million residents.
The cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 205 km/h when it reached Siesta Keysouth of the populated region of Tampa Bay, according to the National Hurricane Center. The hurricane was causing deadly storm surges along much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including densely populated areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and Fort Myers.
Below is the minute by minute of the most important news about Milton’s advance towards the United States:
Hotels in South Florida packed after Hurricane Milton
After the passage of Hurricane Milton last night on the west coast of Floridathousands of evacuees continue to take refuge in hotels in the south of the state, in cities like Weston, Fort Lauderdale y Doralwhich remain completely full, according to Telemundo 51.
Patrick Killbem, resident of the Tampa Baystaying in a hotel in Doral, told the reporter Arly Alfaro: “It breaks my heart not to know what happened to my house.” Like him, many evacuees still cannot return to their homes due to the damage caused by the storm.
Daniel Smith, who arrived from Naplescommented: “They are one after the other. “Irma in 2017, Ian in 2022, and now Milton,” he said, referring to the increasing frequency of hurricanes.
Tension due to high hotel occupancy persists. Ana Maria Coenhosted at Westonindicated: “The hotel is full of refugee families, people are nervous,” as he told Telemundo 51.
More than 60% of the city of Bradenton has no electricity
Melanie Bevanchief of police Bradentonwarned about the danger of downed power lines after Hurricane Milton passed through Florida. According to statements collected by NBC Newsthe official indicated that “probably” more than 60% of the city lacks electricity. She urged residents to take precautions, even after the storm, due to the risks associated with downed power lines.
St. Lucie County reports 4 deaths after Milton
He St. Lucie County reported that two tornadoes touched down Wednesday, originating in Milton, causing four deaths confirmed by the local medical examiner. These events impacted the city of Port St. Lucie as unincorporated areas, causing significant damage to several homes and structures.
According to an official statement, emergency response teams and public services are working on response and recovery efforts. “Several homes and structures throughout St. Lucie County have suffered significant damage,” authorities noted.
St. Lucie County is approximately 200 kilometers north of Miami, depending on the exact point of departure and arrival. The car trip usually takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Three million people were left without electricity in Florida
More than 3 million customers suffered interruptions in electrical service in Florida after the passage of Milton, the storm that left its mark when it made landfall on Wednesday night south of Tampa, near Sarasota. The weather phenomenon, classified as a “powerful hurricane,” moved quickly toward the east coast early Thursday, reported Fox News.
NHC updated the path of Hurricane Milton
He National Hurricane Center updated the trajectory of the phenomenon that hit Florida on October 9 and continues on its path, leaving floods, tornadoes, structural damage and power outages in its wake.
Tampa suffered extensive damage after Milton
Tampa faces “extensive damage” after Hurricane Milton, which left trees down and caused power outages that affected half a million people, reported NBC News. At a news conference, Mayor Jane Castor urged residents to stay in their homes. Municipal officials need time to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the population.
The mayor stressed that the city was spared the predicted storm surge, stating that “that’s what we were really worried about,” although the risk of flooding remains. Efforts to restore order require citizens to cooperate by staying indoors until further notice. The authorities are working to ensure normal conditions and evaluate the consequences generated by this climatic phenomenon.
They warn about the dangers of carbon monoxide during and after the devastating Hurricane Milton
The US Safety Commission warned of the deadly risks during the storms. Experts recommend how to protect yourself when using power generation equipment
(HealthDay News) – Strong winds and torrential rains are dangerous, but there is a silent killer lurking after hurricanes like Milton: he carbon monoxide.
How Florida Should Respond to Hurricane Milton
Storms like this raise uncomfortable questions about the state’s future
The number of deaths caused by Hurricane Miltonwhich hit the west coast of Florida on October 9, will not be counted until days after the storm has swept across the peninsula and moved into the Atlantic. The extent of the damage caused will not be known until long after the waters recede from the flooded areas. It’s also unclear how Florida and other storm-prone places will adapt to climate change. But they must do it.
Rescue crews moved people to safety in Tampa area and are working to reopen roads
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has begun rescue operations in at least one neighborhood.
“Our teams are on the ground, moving people to a safe place”the sheriff’s office said on Facebook.
He sheriff Chad Chronister said in a post that crews have been responding to calls since early Thursday morning.
“Our cutting crews are cutting down trees, trying to open up some of the roads. There are power lines and downed trees everywhere. Please stay inside. “We will let you know when it is safe to go out.”said.
Officials in Pinellas County, home to hard-hit St. Petersburg, are also urging residents to stay put.
Hurricane Milton weakened to Category 1 but remains dangerous
Milton weakened to a Category 1 storm as I progressed through Florida early Thursday morning. Power outages were widespread and deaths have been reported due to the bad weather.
The cyclone had maximum sustained winds of 120 mph (205 kph) when it made landfall on Siesta Key, south of the populated California region. Tampa Bayhe said National Hurricane Center. The hurricane was causing deadly storm surge across much of Florida’s Gulf Coast, including densely populated areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota y Fort Myers.