Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a powerful Category 3 storm before weakening to a Category 2, has caused catastrophic flooding and storm surges in Tampa Bay, with winds reaching 102 mph. Over 1 million homes have lost power as the storm continues to wreak havoc along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Key updates on Hurricane Milton:
- Storm surge and flooding: Forecasters predicted storm surges could reach up to 13 feet, with rainfall totals between 10 to 14 inches so far.
- Power outages: Over 1 million homes and businesses are currently without power across Florida.
- President Biden’s response: Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert received a call from President Joe Biden, who acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the storm and pledged federal support for recovery efforts in Sarasota.
- Multiple deaths: A tornado hit Fort Pierce, killing several residents of a retirement community. Local authorities are continuing search and rescue operations as the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
- Water receding in Tampa Bay: The hurricane’s winds have caused a rare phenomenon, pushing water out of Tampa Bay in a reverse storm surge, though this may lead to sudden and severe flooding when the water returns.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency for Tampa Bay, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as the area faces life-threatening flooding. Despite being downgraded, Hurricane Milton continues to pose a major threat to life and property across Florida.