Hurricane Milton has caused significant devastation in Florida, leaving more than 2.6 million homes without power and causing catastrophic winds. The hurricane made landfall as a category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph near Fort Meade. It has since weakened to a category 1 hurricane with 90 mph winds, located 30 miles off Orlando.
Reports have come in of collapsed cranes and structural damage, including the loss of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium roof. St. Petersburg has experienced heavy rainfall, with 16 inches falling in just two hours. Multiple fatalities have been reported in St Lucie County, with emergency services working to rescue those trapped in the aftermath of the storm.
President Joe Biden has offered assistance to Florida officials, emphasizing the need for coordinated rescue, response, and recovery efforts. This is the fifth hurricane to make landfall in the US this year, with Florida experiencing its second direct hit in 12 days.
In addition to the human impact, the storm has also affected wildlife. About 1,000 animals at Tampa’s zoo, including African elephants, Caribbean flamingos, and pigmy hippos, are being sheltered in hurricane-hardened buildings. Zookeepers are on-site to ensure the animals’ safety and well-being during the storm.
As Hurricane Milton continues to move eastward, Orlando is now feeling the effects of the storm. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency statement for parts of west-central Florida, warning of life-threatening water rising events. St. Petersburg residents have been advised to boil water for consumption due to a broken water main.
The storm is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it moves towards the Atlantic Ocean. Emergency services are actively responding to the aftermath of the hurricane, with rescue operations underway and efforts to restore essential services. The impact of Hurricane Milton serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
