Hurricane Milton left widespread destruction across Florida, leading to extensive rescue operations as communities grapple with the aftermath. On Friday, major airports and tourist attractions began reopening, but more than 2 million homes and businesses were still without power after the hurricane wreaked havoc over the peninsula.
Making landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with winds reaching up to 120 mph, Milton unleashed devastation on both coastal and inland areas. It struck on Wednesday night, bringing torrential rain and storm surge, which, combined with powerful winds, resulted in significant blackouts and even saw large sailboats tossed onto front yards across the region.
Among the storm's harsh legacy were the deadly tornadoes generated by Milton; at least six lives were lost in St. Lucie County alone due to these tornadoes. The National Weather Service was expected to conduct surveys to assess the damage and confirm the number of tornado events spawned by the storm. Overall, Milton's violent path has been linked to at least 17 fatalities statewide.
The Tampa Bay area narrowly escaped the worst fate as Milton shifted southward, preventing the anticipated storm surge. Nonetheless, the hurricane's fierce winds still managed to topple cranes and shred the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays.
On the ground, flooding and downed trees rendered many roads impassable, triggering both evacuations and rescue missions across Florida. "There’s damage, there’s a lot that's going to need to be done," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated during a press conference on Friday. "We did not get the worst-case scenario but we did get hit, and we’re going to have to work to bounce back."
Despite the destruction, the situation is less dire than it could have been, with 19 school districts reopening on Friday and hopes for more to resume on the following Monday. Coastal flood advisories remain active for several locations, warning of dangerous waves and rip currents.
Biden: Hurricane Milton Damage Could Total $50 Billion
President Joe Biden provided insight on the storm's financial toll, estimating the damage from Hurricane Milton could reach as high as $50 billion. He reassured affected residents, stating, "I want everyone in the impacted areas to know we're gonna do everything we can to help you pick back up the pieces and get back to where you were." This follows reports of power outages affecting over 3 million people after the hurricane's wrath.
Efforts for restoration are underway, with over 50,000 power line workers from 43 states and Canada engaged to help restore electricity. Biden confirmed they have already managed to bring power back to around 1 million customers.
'Milton Was a Stark Reminder of the Threats Tornadoes Pose': FEMA
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stressed the tornado threat highlighted by Milton, pointing out the storm produced over 30 tornadoes. "When people think about hurricanes, they picture damage caused by winds and floods," Criswell remarked during a briefing on Friday. "But Milton was a stark reminder of the threats tornadoes pose."
After assessing damage primarily from the tornadoes, particularly their impact on St. Lucie County, Criswell noted the extensive destruction with many homes completely lost. To streamline recovery efforts, Governor DeSantis filed for emergency disaster benefits, which FEMA is poised to approve swiftly.
Criswell confirmed FEMA possesses enough funds to handle immediate aid post-hurricane but voiced concerns about financing for long-term recovery projects. Meteorologists from AccuWeather are now monitoring two new storm systems forming, one near the western Caribbean and another off the coast of Africa, raising questions about regulatory vigilance.
Huge Sinkholes Open Up After Milton
Among the bizarre occurrences following Hurricane Milton were giant sinkholes. A particularly massive one emerged in Hillsborough County, blocking residents from accessing their homes. The sheriff’s office issued alerts, advising the public to remain vigilant as the sinkhole dangerously expanded at the Irish Moss Avenue intersection.
Another sinkhole, which swallowed up a pickup truck between two houses, appeared just hours after Milton passed, according to local reports. Sinkholes are commonplace in Florida due to the state’s geological makeup, as highlighted by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Residents Reconsider Florida Living After Milton
For some, Hurricane Milton was the last straw. Cindy Phillips, 75, faced the reality of her situation—her house sustained minor damage, but it still stirred overwhelming fear. "Three hurricanes is too much. I can't do it anymore," she confessed, announcing her decision to relocate. It's not just the property loss but the constant dread of what might come next.
Phillips, like many others, found her nerves frayed after multiple storm hits, leaving her questioning her safety and future. Faced with damaged neighborhoods and community upheaval, she has already contacted realtors for help.
A Rescue Story: Trooper the Dog
While devastation unfolded, stories of hope emerged, such as the heartwarming rescue of a dog left tied up along the highway as people evacuated before Hurricane Milton hit. The Florida Highway Patrol shared video footage of this stranded pup, soon dubbed Trooper. The dog survived the storm and has since found refuge with the Leon County Humane Society, which reported Trooper had adjusted to his new surroundings progressively. The humane society aims to rehabilitate him, as recovery from traumatic events typically takes time.
Downtown Punta Gorda 'Decimated' by Two Hurricanes
For residents of Punta Gorda, the recent hurricanes have turned their community upside down. Mayor Lynne Matthews described the chaos as the town coped with the fallout from Hurricane Helene before Hurricane Milton compounded the destruction. "Having two major hurricanes in the last three weeks has decimated our downtown area. It’s been very traumatic for all of our residents," Matthews said.
Businesses, many on the brink of recovery from previous damage, now face the prospect of starting from scratch yet again. The community, at what’s supposed to be the most vibrant area, now finds itself struggling against the odds.
Biden's Upcoming Visit to Hurricane-Damaged Areas
President Biden is set to visit hurricane-affected areas on Sunday, marking his second trip to Florida within two weeks. He aims to inspect the damage firsthand and engage with those impacted by Hurricane Milton. Details of this visit are still forthcoming, but it signals the administration’s commitment to support recovery efforts.
