Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save residents affected by Hurricane Milton, which struck Florida on Thursday, causing widespread destruction in coastal communities. The storm resulted in at least eight fatalities and left a trail of devastation, with homes torn apart, streets inundated with mud, and numerous tornadoes reported.
Power Outages and Flooding Across the State
Just two weeks after the chaos caused by Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton knocked out power for over 3 million people. Barrier islands experienced severe flooding, and significant damage was reported, including a roof blown off a baseball stadium and a construction crane toppled by high winds.
Rescues Amid Chaos
Among the most dramatic rescues, Hillsborough County officers saved a 14-year-old boy who was found floating on a piece of fence and pulled him to safety. A Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to an ice chest in the Gulf of Mexico after his fishing boat was stranded in turbulent waters. According to the Coast Guard, the man survived winds of 75 to 90 mph (121 to 145 kph) and waves reaching 25 feet (7.6 meters) during a harrowing night at sea. “This man survived in a nightmare scenario for even the most experienced mariner,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Dana Grady.
Mixed Reactions as Damage Assessment Begins
Despite the destruction, many residents expressed relief that the storm was not as catastrophic as anticipated. Hurricane Milton spared Tampa from a direct hit, and the feared storm surge did not materialize. The hurricane made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, approximately 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Tampa. While damage was extensive and water levels may continue to rise, Governor Ron DeSantis remarked that the situation was not the worst-case scenario. He commended the resilience of Floridians and stated, “I’ve seen a lot of resilience throughout this state.”
Fatalities Reported in Tornadoes
Tragically, five fatalities were reported in tornadoes in the Spanish Lakes Country Club near Fort Pierce, while police discovered a woman deceased under a fallen tree branch in Tampa. In Volusia County, two additional fatalities were confirmed when trees collapsed on homes.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
As rescue efforts continue, at least 340 individuals and 49 pets have been saved, according to Governor DeSantis. In Palmetto, Natasha Shannon and her family felt fortunate to be alive after their home lost its tin roof. They sought shelter with their children and grandchildren, narrowly escaping disaster. “What little bit we did have is gone,” Shannon lamented upon returning home.
Damage and Displacement
Sarasota County experienced the worst storm surge, reaching 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters). The storm also brought heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches (45 centimeters). Officials in the severely impacted counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Lee urged residents to stay indoors due to hazardous conditions, including downed power lines and blocked roads.
Tornadoes Cause Additional Destruction
Among the tornadoes that struck was a twister that hit Matlacha, a small barrier island off Fort Myers. Residents faced serious damage to their homes, with reports of vehicles being tossed across roads. Tom Reynolds, a local resident, shared his determination to repair his house, stating, “What else am I going to do?”
In contrast, city workers on Anna Maria Island expressed relief at the limited damage compared to the devastation from Hurricane Helene. As they cleared debris, they noted that the previous storm may have inadvertently protected homes from further destruction.
Power outages were widespread, affecting over 3.4 million homes and businesses across the state. The Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, suffered significant damage as winds tore apart its roof. Approximately 80,000 individuals sought shelter, with many evacuating from 15 Florida counties that were under mandatory orders.
With inputs from AP
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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