Hurricane Milton has devastated areas across the Florida Panhandle, causing severe damage with winds reaching 120 mph and significant flooding. The storm resulted in at least two fatalities and left over 3 million homes without power. The hurricane affected the Tampa Bay area with strong winds, leading to infrastructure destruction, but also avoided a major storm surge. Analysts predict insured losses could total between $60 billion to $100 billion, similar to historic hurricanes.
TAMPA, Fla. – Hurricane Milton unleashed widespread destruction across the Florida Panhandle on Thursday, carving a devastating path from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The hurricane inundated residential areas, obliterated homes, ripped the roof off a significant sports venue, and led to the collapse of a large construction crane onto an office building. In downtown Tampa, tumultuous winds dismantled traffic lights, uprooted signs, and propelled construction barricades across wet streets. The storm’s winds also dislodged protective plywood and caused a portion of a building’s brick facade to fall, partially obstructing a roadway. Fortunately, Tampa Bay avoided a severe storm surge but experienced a rare reverse surge that moved water away from the coast. Milton made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane, boasting sustained winds of 120 mph, while generating numerous tornadoes. By early Thursday, the storm was weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 85 mph as it exited near Cape Canaveral, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was reported that at least two fatalities occurred at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce, alongside over 3 million residences and businesses left without power. A flash flood emergency was declared for the regions of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater after the area received over 16 inches of rainfall on Wednesday. The hurricane’s eye struck Siesta Key, located approximately 60 miles south of Tampa, just weeks after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc along the Florida coast. Significant Developments: – Oil prices increased on Thursday due to heightened fuel demand caused by Hurricane Milton and concerns about supply disruptions stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East. Around a quarter of gasoline stations across Florida ran out of fuel, which contributed to rising crude prices. – Pop icon Taylor Swift made a significant contribution of $5 million towards hurricane relief via Feeding America, aiming to assist victims of both Helene and Milton. A crane fell into an office building belonging to the Tampa Bay Times as Milton ravaged the St. Petersburg area. Officials initially reported the crane collapse Wednesday night, though no injuries were reported. “The public is urged to continue to shelter in place,” the city stated, advising residents to avoid the area affected by the disaster. In addition, Milton caused severe damage to Tropicana Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. High winds resulted in portions of the stadium’s roof being torn off, despite the venue being repurposed as an emergency base for responders in preparation for the storm. North Fort Myers resident Scott Fincher recounted his frightening experience during the tornado outbreak that accompanied the storm, stating, “Just as we were moving everybody in, that’s when it came through.… It was a wall of black.” Analysts project insured losses from Hurricane Milton could reach between $60 billion and $100 billion, potentially leading to a rise in reinsurance costs in 2025. Governor Ron DeSantis indicated that it is presently too hazardous to safely evacuate, thereby advising residents to “shelter in place and just hunker down” as the storm wreaked further havoc.
Hurricane Milton has wreaked significant devastation across Florida, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene. This latest storm made landfall as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, jeopardizing lives and property and causing widespread destruction. The impacts of the storm extend beyond immediate physical damage to homes and businesses, as it disrupts local economies and threatens infrastructure across the state, raising concerns about long-term recovery and support needs. The hurricane’s destructive path has coincided with pre-existing conditions in Florida that have made communities particularly vulnerable, highlighting the urgent necessity for effective preparedness and response mechanisms against natural disasters.
In summary, Hurricane Milton has left a trail of destruction across Florida, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and properties. The storm has caused power outages for millions and prompted emergency flood measures in crucial urban areas. The widespread impact on the insurance industry, coupled with increased demand for fuel, underscores the storm’s far-reaching consequences. As millions begin the arduous process of recovery, the need for timely support and resources remains paramount for affected communities.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
