10/10/2024 Hurricane Milton, an Category 3 storm that hit late Wednesday night, in the region of Siesta Key, Florida — left a trail of devastation behind. The storm, downgraded to Category 1 now, has receded off Florida’s east coast after racking up massive damage, damaging winds, and hazardous flooding. There are already over 3 million people without power and over 100 rescue efforts on the state scale.
The Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida reported Thursday morning that 48 individuals have been rescued so far, with more than 125 ongoing rescue operations currently underway in 26 counties.
“The storm was significant, but thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario,” DeSantis said. “The storm did bring much destruction and damage. Tornadoes ravaged parts of the east coast of the state. Flooding occurred on both coasts, and strong winds lashed the state, especially in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.”
Storm Surge and Flooding
Sarasota County suffered the most severe storm surge estimated at 8-10 feet, according to DeSantis. Other places such as Tampa Bay received more than 18 inches of rainfall, causing flooding throughout the state.
“Water levels are forecast to continue rising along northeast and west-central Florida rivers and waterways,” DeSantis added, warning that flood stages will likely be reached in several areas over the next day.
Water rescues continue in Hillsborough County, Orlando, and Clearwater counties as authorities fight the rising waters. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said he was thankful the storm surge wasn’t nearly as damaging as forecast, but warned that it’s not over yet. Rivers are going to flood throughout Hillsborough County, not just in Tampa, this morning because of high tide.
Tornadoes Cause Fatalities and Destruction
Besides storm surge and flooding, St. Lucie County received 17 tornadoes which led to at least four deaths and widespread destruction. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed hundreds of houses were ruined, and that efforts are being made to locate anyone trapped or wounded.
Across the state, reports of downed power lines, branches and flooded streets turned traveling into a risky business. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw asked residents to remain inside and away from traffic. “We have hundreds of calls of power lines down. We are actively making the streets safe, so please stay indoors until we give you the all clear,” Bercaw warned.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
As of Thursday morning, over 3.1 million people were out of power in Florida. Duke Energy President Melissa Seixas stated 800,000 customers were affected in 35 counties. The firm is also executing damage assessments using helicopters and drones to understand the true scope of damage, Seixas continued.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue reports several tornadoes and injuries in the Wellington, Acreage and Loxahatchee. Firefighters have saved many in cars and under debris from destroyed buildings.
Rescue and Recovery Operations In Progress
Rescue efforts continue throughout the state, as firefighters respond 24 hours a day. In Orlando water rescuers saved people from flooded apartments, Sarasota County officials reported that several bridges in the county remain closed due to flooding.
FL officials still have residents asked to remain off the roads and allow emergency and utility crews to remove rubble and restore service.
Milton’s damage has been less devastating than many anticipated, but still significant — rescue and recovery are expected to take days.
For the latest information, go to Fox Weather and CNN.
