Hurricane Milton Devastates Florida as Damage Mounts
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, causing power outages to more than 3 million customers and spawning a barrage of tornadoes. The storm resulted in at least five fatalities and compounded the destruction left by Helene while steering clear of a direct hit on Tampa.
The system tracked southward in its final hours and made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, roughly 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Tampa. Damage was widespread, and water levels are expected to rise for days. However, Governor Ron DeSantis indicated that the situation was not “the worst-case scenario.”
The dreaded storm surge feared for Tampa did not materialize, although the storm dumped up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) of rain in some areas. The worst storm surge was recorded in Sarasota County, measuring between 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters)—lower than the most impacted areas during Helene.
“We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” said Governor DeSantis. “We’ve got more to do, but we will absolutely get through this.”
As daylight broke Thursday, storm-surge warnings remained in effect for much of the east-central Florida coast and into Georgia, while tropical storm warnings stretched along the coast into South Carolina. Officials in heavily affected counties such as Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Lee urged residents to remain indoors amidst downed power lines, obstructed roadways, blocked bridges, and flooding.
“We’ll let you know when it’s safe to come out,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister posted on Facebook.
In Plant City, just inland from Tampa, flooding conditions were described as “absolutely staggering” by City Manager Bill McDaniel, who reported that emergency crews rescued 35 individuals overnight after the city received 13.5 inches (34 cm) of rain.
“We have flooding in places and to levels that I’ve never seen, and I’ve lived in this community for my entire life,” he stated in a video posted online Thursday morning.
In the tiny barrier island of Matlacha, tornadoes and flooding caused significant destruction to homes and businesses. Tom Reynolds, a resident, reported dealing with several feet of mud and debris left in the aftermath of the storm.
The power outage affected a large section of Florida, with more than 3.4 million homes and businesses without electricity. The roof of Tropicana Field—the home of the Tampa Bay Rays—sustained severe damage from high winds. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
As officials assess the damage, more than 80,000 people remained overnight in shelters statewide. Mandatory evacuation orders were imposed across 15 Florida counties, affecting approximately 7.2 million residents.
Expert Insights
Discussion Panel
To gain further understanding of Hurricane Milton’s impact, we consulted with meteorologist Jessie Schaper, emergency management director Kevin Guthrie, and City Manager Bill McDaniel.
Jessie Schaper, Meteorologist
Question: What insights can you provide regarding the unexpected tornado activity during this hurricane?
Schaper: The conditions leading to tornadoes during hurricanes are complex, and regarding Milton, it was challenging to predict. Meteorological variables combined to create an environment ripe for tornadoes.
Kevin Guthrie, Emergency Management Director
Question: How is your team handling the initial assessments now that the storm has passed?
Guthrie: Our team is working diligently to perform damage assessments, but safety is the priority. We’re coordinating with local officials to ensure the area is secure before we proceed.
Bill McDaniel, City Manager of Plant City
Question: What challenges have you encountered in Plant City amidst the flooding?
McDaniel: The magnitude of the flooding is unprecedented. We have had to call in additional resources to aid in rescue efforts and will focus on debris clearance once it is safe.
What are your thoughts on the response to Hurricane Milton? Join the discussion in the comments below.