Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday as a powerful Category 3 storm. The storm hit Siesta Key with winds of 105 mph. It triggered tornadoes and dangerous storm surges across the state’s Gulf Coast.
At least 1.6 million homes and businesses lost power as the storm progressed. Tornadoes caused significant damage on Florida’s east coast, with unconfirmed reports of fatalities. A tornado hit a senior living community, causing extensive harm.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to stay indoors and avoid dangerous floodwaters. “Storm surges and flood waters are very dangerous,” he said, warning residents to stay off the roads.
In Sarasota, near the storm’s landfall, gusts of wind shattered glass panes and uprooted trees. The streets were deserted as businesses closed and sandbagged against the flooding. Airports in Tampa and Sarasota were shut down until further notice.
Hurricane Milton struck just two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the same region. Helene left 235 people dead, with recovery efforts still underway when Milton hit. Many residents remained nervous, fearing additional flooding and damage.
Randy Prior, a Florida resident, expressed concern over the storm’s impact. “The ground is still saturated from the last storm,” Prior said. “We’re just trying to survive again.”
Milton’s impact is expected to extend inland as it moves toward the Atlantic Ocean. Tourist destinations like Orlando, including Disney World, were in the storm’s projected path. Disney World closed in response to the approaching storm.
President Joe Biden was briefed on Hurricane Milton’s initial impacts. The White House emphasized the need for coordinated relief efforts. Biden criticized misinformation spread by his political opponent Donald Trump regarding storm aid. “There’s been a reckless promotion of lies,” Biden said, condemning Trump’s false statements.
Scientists continue to link global warming to increasingly intense storms like Milton. Warmer ocean temperatures fuel storms, providing them with more energy and strength. This contributes to the destructive power of hurricanes, leading to stronger winds and storm surges.
As Florida begins assessing the damage from Hurricane Milton, recovery efforts are set to intensify. With the state still reeling from Hurricane Helene, the road to recovery will be long. Residents are urged to remain cautious and follow official guidance as relief operations unfold.