Hurricane Milton Update and Damages: 4 Dead, 3 Million Without Power as Storm Devastates Florida

Hurricane Milton was initially a Category 5 storm. It has wreaked havoc across Florida. More than three million homes and businesses are without power. The storm has claimed the lives of at least four people. The storm has now weakened to a Category 1. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) provided this information in their latest advisory.

Key Developments on Hurricane Milton:

Milton Downgraded: The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. It has since been downgraded to Category 1. The storm now has sustained winds of 87 mph.
Massive Power Outages: Over 3 million homes and businesses are without power. The hurricane knocked down power lines across the state.
Fatalities Confirmed: At least four people have died in the aftermath of the storm, with several more injured.

Rescue Operations: 15 People Saved in Tampa

In Tampa, police officers carried out a daring rescue operation. They saved 15 people from a one-story home damaged by a fallen tree during the storm. According to Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw, “The swift actions of these officers provided safety. It was a time of fear and uncertainty.” The residents were transported to a nearby shelter, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Florida Governor’s Statement: ‘Significant but Not Worst Case Scenario’

Governor Ron DeSantis addressed the public. He said that Hurricane Milton was a powerful storm. However, it wasn’t the worst-case scenario Florida had prepared for. The storm surge reached heights of 8 to 10 feet in Sarasota County. It was notably less severe than in previous hurricanes such as Helene. “We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” DeSantis stated.

Devastation in Fort Myers: Roads Under Water, Debris Blocking Access

Fort Myers and the surrounding areas in Lee County have suffered significant damage. The local sheriff’s office reported that roads are submerged under three feet of water. Fallen trees, downed power lines, and other debris make travel nearly impossible. The Matlacha area, still recovering from Hurricane Ian in 2022, was also heavily impacted.

Rescue Efforts Continue in Tampa

Rescue teams in the Tampa area have been working relentlessly. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that operations are underway in affected neighborhoods. “Our teams are moving people to safety,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. The public is urged to stay indoors due to downed power lines and hazardous debris.

Unprecedented Flooding in Plant City by Hurricane Milton

Bill McDaniel, the City Manager of Plant City, described the flooding as unlike anything the area has ever seen. “We have flooding to levels I’ve never seen in my entire life,” McDaniel said in a video statement. Emergency services have already rescued 35 people from flooded homes.

Pinellas County: Residents Urged to Stay Indoors

Pinellas County officials have urged all residents to stay off the roads. There is severe damage, flooding, and downed power lines. The county’s emergency services stressed the dangers of driving on flooded roads. They noted that even six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control.

Significant Storm Surge Expected on Florida’s East Coast

Hurricane Milton is continuing its path across the state. Meteorologists are warning of a significant storm surge along Florida’s east coast. The surge could reach up to 1.75 meters (5.7 feet) in some areas, particularly near Daytona Beach, with flooding expected to last for several days.

Hurricane Milton’s Path and Impact

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm. After moving through central Florida, it was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. Heavy rain, tornadoes, and strong winds have caused widespread destruction. The hurricane is now heading towards the Atlantic Ocean, where it is expected to weaken further.

Tornadoes Hit Fort Pierce: 4 Dead

Before the hurricane made landfall, tornadoes devastated areas near Fort Pierce on Florida’s Atlantic coast, killing four people. The hardest-hit area was the Spanish Lakes Country Club. Numerous mobile homes were destroyed there. Many of the homes belonged to senior citizens.

Biden Slams Trump’s Response to Hurricane Helene

As Florida grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, President Joe Biden criticized former President Donald Trump. He accused Trump of spreading misinformation regarding federal disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Helene. Biden labeled Trump’s claims as an “onslaught of lies.” Vice President Kamala Harris agreed with Biden. She called Trump’s actions “dangerous” and “unconscionable.”

For live updates you can also visit: Hurricane Milton Live Updates: 3 Million Lose Power; Tornado Outbreak Turns Deadly