At least 16 people have been confirmed dead from the storm.
UPDATE Oct 11th, 12:15 PM EDT
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, a little more than a third of Floridians who lost power in the storm have been reconnected. There are still over 2 million without power as of Friday morning. Hundreds of people have been rescued, many from assisted living facilities and apartment complexes. There are at least 16 confirmed dead, several due to tornadoes spawned ahead of the hurricane.
Hospitals across the nation are facing an IV fluid shortage after Milton. In North Carolina, the facility of nation’s largest producer was shut down by Helene, and a plant in Daytona Beach closed due to being in Milton’s path. The Florida producer is the second-largest maker of IV fluids in the nation.
Environmental concerns have been raised surrounding waste from Florida’s phosphate fertilizer industry. Radioactive phosphogypsum waste is kept in huge elevated ponds that could potentially pollute waterways during the strong winds and flooding rains of hurricanes. Phosporous is vital to both the agricultural and defense industries.
The hurricane destroyed the roof of Tropicana Field, where linemen and Nationa Guard members had been staged. No one was injured and the governor’s press secretary said that the personnel were relocated before the damage occurred.
UPDATE Oct 10th, 4:25 PM EDT
Hurricane Milton made its way across Florida and back into the Atlantic Ocean early Thursday morning. The storm brought heavy rain, which caused flash flooding, and sent tornadoes across the state. More than 3 million people were without power after the storm passed. At least nine people were killed by the storm.
Governor DeSantis said, “The storm was significant, but thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario.”
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said, “One of the blessings for us is that we did not see that predicted storm surge. That saved a lot.”
President Biden said in a televised address on Thursday, “This is going to be a long haul for total rebuilding. It’s going to take several billion dollars. … We will do everything in our power to help you recover.”
UPDATE Oct 9th, 10:30 PM EDT
The National Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Milton came ashore as a Category 3 storm Wednesday evening, with sustained winds of 95 to 120 mph. Tropical storm-strength winds in the hours ahead of landfall caused the destruction of more than 100 homes. The National Weather Service issued at least 153 tornado warnings across parts of South Florida. At least 19 confirmed tornados spawned by the approaching hurricane killed multiple people on Wednesday.
Governor DeSantis said, “Regardless of the winds from the storm directly, we’ve already seen probably more tornado watches than I’ve ever seen… No one remembers ever seeing this many tornado warnings that have been done.”
Milton downgraded to a Category 2 after making landfall. Search and rescue teams will be deployed early Thursday morning after the storm passes and first responders can travel safely.
President Biden stated that his administration would offer support “for as long as it takes to rescue, recover and rebuild.”
UPDATE Oct 8th, 12:30 PM EDT
Hurricane Milton is approaching Florida as many are still recovering from Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago. Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding and damage in over six states.
Read the latest on clean-up and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene.
Additional counties have been added to the evacuation list as Hurricane Milton continues toward the west coast of Florida. President Joe Biden warns that this could be one of Florida’s worst storms in 100 years. He postponed an international trip to remain stateside in anticipation of the storm. Officials, including President Biden, continue urging residents to evacuate saying that it is “a matter of life and death.”
Thousands of flights have already been cancelled at St.Pete-Clearwater, Tampa, Orlando, and Sarasota Bradenton airports, which are all set to be closed.
Tuesday morning Hurricane Milton weakened to a Category 4 with winds decreased to 145mph. Latest forecasting expects the outer bands to reach land by Wednesday morning with Hurricane Milton hitting Wednesday evening, possibly as a Category 3.
UPDATE Oct 7th, 7:30 PM EDT
Hurricane Milton is expected to remain a powerful Category 5 hurricane through Tuesday. Forecasting shows that it may weaken to a Category 3 on Wednesday before making landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast late Wednesday or early Thursday.
Milton poses a significant risk in terms of storm surge. Authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for portions of Florida’s west coast including Charlotte, Citrus, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, and Pasco.
Michael Brennan, the director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, emphasized the urgency: “If you live in a storm surge evacuation zone and you’re asked to leave by your local officials, please do that … often just tens of miles to get inland, out of that evacuation zone, to a shelter, a friend or loved one’s home.”
Ongoing debris removal efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene will continue until tropical storm-force winds make landfall.
UPDATE Oct 7th, 11:30 AM EDT
Hurricane Milton has moved into the Gulf of Mexico, strengthening from a Category 2 to a Category 5 storm in just a few hours, with sustained winds of 160 mph. The west coast of Florida is under hurricane and storm watches as Milton is forecast to make landfall on Wednesday.
The National Hurricane Center projects a path that hits the Tampa Bay area, moving across Florida and back into the Atlantic Ocean. Recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene have ramped up in light of the new hurricane. Governor DeSantis has prioritized debris removal from the previous storm to avoid the potential for dangerous projectiles.
Florida Division of Emergency Management Kevin Guthrie said the state is preparing “for the largest evacuation that we have seen, most likely since 2017, Hurricane Irma.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Governor DeSantis and state officials as they head the recovery efforts from both hurricanes.
- For safety for the people of Florida as residents return from evacuation.
- For the crews endeavoring to rescue people and restore power.
Sources: USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, National Hurricane Center, Detroit Free Press, MSN, StatNews, NBC News, AP News
