Residents survey the destruction in south Florida following the devastation left by Hurricane Milton. Many communities are grappling with the aftermath of high winds and tornadoes that struck the state as the storm approached Wednesday night, leaving widespread damage and millions without power.
Crystal Coleman expressed her fear during the storm, stating, “It felt like the tornado was inside of our house.” Her neighborhood is among numerous areas that suffered significant damage, including ripped roofs and shattered windows. Emergency responders are tirelessly working to provide sustenance for those affected, with non-profit organizations distributing hundreds of hot meals as the community confronts power outages and water shortages.
The destruction is evident along main roads, with overturned vehicles, uprooted trees, and damaged infrastructure. Many residents have reached out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance, while immediate concerns revolve around finding shelter and food for their families amid ongoing challenges.
As the full extent of Milton’s path is assessed, officials warn that the death toll may continue to rise. The storm unleashed heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 18 inches, leading to flooded neighborhoods and severely damaged properties. Despite the devastation, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that the state narrowly avoided “the worst-case scenario.”
Around 80,000 residents followed evacuation orders and sought refuge in shelters. “My sense is that a lot of the people did leave who were in the evacuation zones,” DeSantis commented.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams deployed for multiple rescues across Florida, including a remarkable operation that saved over 400 individuals from a flooded apartment complex. The US Coast Guard participated in rescues, including a captain stranded in the water, indicating the gravity of the situation.
Maria Bowman, 60, who weathered the storm in her mobile home in North Fort Myers, described the experience as traumatic. “It sounded like an explosion,” she recounted, highlighting her readiness to leave the state due to frequent hurricanes. “It’s too many hurricanes,” she lamented.
As flooding concerns remain, DeSantis reiterated the potential for further fatalities as recovery efforts continue and the storm’s impact becomes clearer.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed relief over the city’s avoidance of significant storm surge but acknowledged the damage sustained throughout the region. The iconic baseball stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays suffered substantial harm, with winds damaging its distinctive dome. Additionally, downtown St Petersburg witnessed a crane collapse, causing further destruction.
Hurricane Milton made landfall as a category three storm, prompting widespread warning and evacuation efforts. Initially classified as a category five hurricane, it resulted in winds of 124 mph, adding to the state’s recent challenges following the devastation of Hurricane Helene just weeks prior.
Now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, Milton continues its journey through the Atlantic, leaving behind a landscape of recovery and resilience as Florida begins to heal from yet another significant natural disaster.
