News
Hurricane Milton hits Florida, leaves residents with power outages
Hurricane Milton has, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, made landfall in central Florida, causing widespread destruction, tornadoes, and power outages for nearly two million people.
According to the United States National Hurricane Center, “in the late hours of Wednesday, Hurricane Milton brought its powerful Category 3 winds to Siesta Key and weakened to a Category 1 as it cut through the state.”
“It moved offshore, with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour, making its landfall at 8:30 P.M EDT.”
It was reported that, as of 11 PM. EDT (0300 GMT), Hurricane Milton’s wind speeds dropped to 105 MPH (165 KPH), reducing it to a Category 2 hurricane, though extremely dangerous, with its eye situated 75 miles southwest of Orlando, Florida.
As reported, the storm’s eye made landfall on Siesta Key, a coastal barrier Island, with a population of around five thousand four hundred (5400), situated approximately 60 miles south of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area, a home to over three million residents.
The Governor of Florida, Ron Desantis, pointed out that the storm’s landfall before high tide, could alleviate some of the storm’s surge destructive potential.
Forecasters, have remained concerned about the seawater levels as it increased to 13 feet
“The relentless winds and pounding rain of Hurricane Milton, have kept us awake since last night, being one of the most intense storms we have ever witnessed,” a resident described.
“We have never seen any hurricane, such as horrible as this in a hurricane cycle.”
Brian Martin, a Florida resident, from the city of Casselberry, Seminole County, said: “Hurricane Milton, has been one of the more intense storms I have experienced.”
“The changing wind direction has put several trees at risk of falling, and I’ve seen and heard multiple power transformers fail, causing widespread power outages in my neighborhood.”
Martin said, “his night was marked by restless vigilance, tracking the storm’s movements, and checking on friends and families across the state.”
He said, “he was all while anxiously awaiting potential power loss, as the lights flickered alarmingly.”
According to the National Hurricane Service, in the 5 AM. ET update, all hurricane and tropical storm warnings, have been dropped as Milton exits Florida’s east coast.
The National Weather Service confirmed that several tornadoes have developed, all in connection with Milton.
National Weather Service (NWS), Miami, on its X handle page, reported that five out of seven tornadoes were confirmed through visual evidence, and released a graphic showing the initial release tracks of the confirmed tornadoes.
Desantis, said: “Given the current situation, evacuation is no longer a safe option, please shelter in a place and stay safe until the storm passes.”
Officials confirmed that there were multiple fatalities in St. Lucie County, on Florida’s Atlantic coast, where tornadoes touched down.
Meanwhile, as Milton brought destructive winds and tornadoes, the Palm Beach County, Fire Rescue Teams, responded swiftly, rescued and took to the hospital, at least five people with serious injuries sustained during the storm.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Administrator, Deanne Criswell announced today that over seventy thousand (70,000), individuals sought safety in government shelters overnight, following evacuation orders in 31 counties.
Residents across Florida, have been instructed to remain indoors, unless faced with a dire emergency, after Milton’s ferocious winds ripped through the state, leaving destruction in its wake.
History of hurricane in Florida
Florida’s history with hurricanes is long and complex. It has experienced some of the most notable hurricanes, due to the fact that it has its location in a subtropical region.
The notable hurricane, include Hurricane Ian (2022), Hurricane Nicole (2022), and that of the recent one, Hurricane Milton (2024).
Government response
As part of government response to hurricanes in Florida, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1.
Also, Florida Government, activated the State Assistance Information Line, a 24/7 hotline with English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole speakers, available to assist residents whenever the need arises.
Besides, the government, prepared nearly 300 opened shelters, supporting over 55,000 Florida residents affected during hurricane landfall.
In addition, the Florida National Guard, with over 5,300 service members, are prepared to provide search, response and damage assessment support.
Moreso, Florida, partnered with Uber, to provide free rides to local shelters for residents in mandatory evacuation zones.
In response to emergency, government agencies in Florida, have made assistance available.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as part of its response, has deployed additional law enforcement officers to maintain law and order in the affected areas.
Also, the Florida Department of Health, is supporting special needs shelters and deploying emergency response vehicles.
Moreso, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is working with Florida’s ports and fuel industry partners to ensure adequate fuel supplies.
Federal support
The United States President, Joe Biden has granted pre-landfall emergency declarations for Florida and the Seminole Tribe, enabling FEMA to provide direct assistance.
Over 8,000 federal personnel are on the ground, with FEMA Administrator, Deanne Criswell traveling to Florida to ensure a coordinated response whenever hurricane hits.
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