Hurricane Milton: Florida Faces Severe Impact from Category 3 Storm
Hurricane Milton has made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing destructive winds, severe flooding, and widespread power outages. With wind speeds reaching up to 156 mph, the storm has already caused at least four fatalities and left more than three million homes and businesses without electricity.
Impact and Damage
- The hurricane has torn off the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, and caused catastrophic storm surges along Florida’s west-central coast.
- Areas including Hillsborough, Little Wekiva River, and St. Johns River are experiencing severe flooding, with experts warning that storm surges could reach up to 20 feet in parts of Tampa Bay.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has confirmed multiple tornadoes in affected areas, further complicating rescue efforts.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
- Florida officials have urged residents not to return to their homes immediately, as emergency crews are still assessing damage and searching for victims.
- FEMA has recommended that residents text rather than call loved ones to keep communication lines open for emergency responders.
- The Florida Division of Emergency Management has advised residents to take photos of flood damage to assist in insurance claims.
Forecast and Next Steps
Although Hurricane Milton is moving offshore, meteorologists warn that flooding could persist for up to 45 days due to excessive rainfall in the region Officials are advising residents to monitor local safety alerts and follow government instructions on evacuation and recovery efforts.
Stay updated on Hurricane Milton by following official sources like the National Hurricane Center and FEMA for the latest advisories.
