THREAD: hurricane milton

HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Florida’s Heroic Rescue Efforts and Destruction

10 October 2024 — More than 3 million Floridians are without power as Hurricane MILTON wreaks havoc across the state. The storm hit near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving four dead in St. Lucie County due to tornadoes. Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that over 48 people have been rescued so far, with more than 125 active rescue missions underway in 26 counties.

Milton has now moved off Florida’s east coast, downgraded to a Category 1 storm, but not before causing significant damage through destructive winds and flooding. The worst-hit areas include Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. “The storm was significant,” DeSantis stated, emphasizing the widespread impact but noting it was not the worst-case scenario.

Tampa Bay faced severe weather conditions with up to 18 inches of rainfall reported in some areas and a construction crane collapsing into an office building housing the Tampa Bay Times headquarters. The roof of Tropicana Field was also damaged by strong winds. Sarasota County experienced a substantial storm surge between eight and ten feet high.

Water levels are expected to rise along northeast and west-central Florida rivers over the next day or so, potentially reaching flood stages according to forecasts. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton’s impact on infrastructure and communities, rescue efforts continue

HURRICANE MILTON’S Fury: Tampa Bay Braces for Historic Impact

08 October 2024 — Hurricane Milton, though slightly weakened, still poses a major threat to the Tampa Bay area. With winds reaching 145 mph, it could deliver a once-in-a-century direct hit. The storm’s approach has prompted hurricane warnings along Florida’s west and east coasts.

The storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday night in the densely populated Tampa Bay region, home to over 3.3 million residents. Local authorities have ordered evacuations for vulnerable areas and mobile homes by Tuesday night. Governor Ron DeSantis reassured residents about fuel availability and advised them to evacuate only tens of miles if needed.

Despite warnings, some residents like Martin Oakes from Apollo Beach plan to stay put and face the storm head-on. “We got shutters up; the house is all ready,” Oakes said while waiting for gas in Riverview. This sentiment reflects a common resolve among locals preparing for Milton’s impact.

HURRICANE BERYL Slams Texas Coast with Deadly Force

08 July 2024 — Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Monday morning. The storm brought a dangerous surge and strong winds as it moved over land around 4 a.m. CST, according to the National Weather Service.

Beryl had strengthened back into a hurricane late Sunday, impacting southern Texas with rain and intensifying winds. Residents braced for the storm that had already caused destruction in Mexico and the Caribbean.

The National Hurricane Center issued an advisory at 3 a.m. CST warning of imminent landfall within two hours. This powerful storm has prompted significant concern and preparations along the Texas coast.