By Michael D. Carroll and Alex Backus
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after tearing through Florida, leaving widespread damage and officials warn that water levels may continue to rise for days.
Several deaths have been confirmed and more than 3 million customers remain without power as of Thursday afternoon. Search and rescue efforts continue across the state, which was already reeling from Hurricane Helene.
Oct 10, 2024 at 03:05 PM EDT
Possible Nadine Storm ‘Ripped Apart’ as Milton Hit Florida
In some welcome news for weary Floridians, a disturbance brewing in the western Atlantic that officials were monitoring has been "ripped apart" by strong winds.
What other storms are brewing in the Atlantic? In addition to Milton, the National Hurricane Center was tracking another hurricane and two disturbances. Hurricane Leslie is in the North Atlantic and is expected to continue on its path away from the U.S.
One of the disturbances has little chance of formation and is in the eastern tropical Atlantic. However, a second disturbance had a 30 percent chance of development on Wednesday and was brewing closer to the U.S. If the storm had evolved, it would've become Tropical Storm Nadine, although its path would've taken it away from a U.S. landfall. But by Thursday morning, the disturbance was gone.
"There were a lot of hostile winds south of Bermuda, and the storm got ripped apart," AccuWeather lead hurricane forecaster Alex DaSilva told Newsweek. "That's why it was never able to develop into an organized tropical system."
Read more from Newsweek's Anna Skinner.
Oct 10, 2024 at 02:43 PM EDT
Over 100 People, 18 Animals Rescued
At least 106 people and 18 animals have been rescued by Urban Search and Rescue Teams and the Florida National Guard amid Hurricane Milton, according to an update issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis detailing the state's response and recovery efforts.
Ahead of Milton's landfall, tornadoes swept through St. Lucie County, where officials said at least five people have died. So far, at least 25 people have been rescued from this tornado-damaged area, DeSantis said Thursday afternoon.
"We're grateful for the first responders who staged in the area and were ready to save lives," DeSantis wrote on X, as he surveyed damage in the county.
"Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in storm-affected areas throughout Florida," he added. "These lifesaving operations will continue for as long as it takes."
Oct 10, 2024 at 02:10 PM EDT
Over 2,250 Flights Canceled Today, More Expected
More flight cancellations are expected today in Florida as recovery efforts continue, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Thursday afternoon.
More than 2,250 flights were canceled within, into or out of the U.S. Thursday, according to FlightAware.
Several Florida airports are assessing damage left in Hurricane Milton's wake, including the Tampa, Orlando and Sarasota Bradenton International Airports. The Orlando and West Palm Beach airports will reopen today, the FAA said.
Crews are now cleaning up damage at Tampa International, which plans to share reopening plans later today.
Oct 10, 2024 at 01:54 PM EDT
Milton No Longer a Hurricane
Milton has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
"Tropical storm conditions and storm surge still occurring over portions of the Southeastern U. S. coast," NHC wrote on X.
Oct 10, 2024 at 01:43 PM EDT
Photos Show Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field Shredded by Milton
We're getting a look at the extensive damage at the Tropicana Field, the home ballpark of the Tampa Bay Rays. Many large sections of the domed roof were ripped off as Hurricane Milton tore through the state.
...
Photos also show damage inside of the St. Petersburg stadium.
"We are fortunate and grateful that no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night," the Rays wrote on X. "Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 01:29 PM EDT
Photos: Widespread Flooding, Damage from Hurricane Milton
Oct 10, 2024 at 01:07 PM EDT
Walt Disney World to Reopen Theme Parks Friday
Walt Disney World will reopen its theme parks Friday, according to a noon update on the company's website.
"We're grateful Walt Disney World Resort weathered the storm, and we are currently assessing the impacts to our property to prepare for reopening the theme parks, Disney Springs and possibly other areas on Friday, October 11," an update on the Walt Disney World website reads.
"Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm."
Disney World closed several of its theme parks and Disney Springs on Wednesday as Hurricane Milton barreled toward Florida's coast.
Oct 10, 2024 at 12:50 PM EDT
DeSantis: Five Deaths Confirmed
Five deaths have been confirmed in St. Lucie County, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said during an afternoon briefing in Fort Pierce.
Previously, four people were confirmed dead in the county after tornadoes ripped through the area. There were more tornado watches in this storm than "any one I can remember," DeSantis said.
He also addressed the widespread power outages across the state, likening the outages to Hurricanes Irma and Ian.
"We pre-staged 50,000 linemen throughout the state of Florida so those folks are going to work," DeSantis said, explaining the challenge following ongoing repairs post-Hurricane Helene in the Southeast region.
Oct 10, 2024 at 12:44 PM EDT
Florida Jail Responds After Inmates in Hurricane Milton Danger Zone Outrage
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office in Florida confirmed that all inmates and deputies were safe following Hurricane Milton's arrival on Wednesday night.
On Tuesday afternoon, a Manatee County Jail deputy confirmed to Newsweek that the facility, just south of Tampa, was not planning on evacuating approximately 1,200 inmates ahead of Milton making landfall.
The decision was made even though the jail was located in an area under evacuation orders. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Siesta Key on Wednesday night, 36 miles south of the jail.
"As expected, the Manatee County Jail remained fully operational as Hurricane Milton passed through our area. We had no flooding or damage to the building," Manatee County Sheriff's Office public information officer Randy Warren told Newsweek on Thursday morning.
Read more from Newsweek's Anna Skinner.
Oct 10, 2024 at 12:28 PM EDT
Florida Power Outage Map: 3.4 Million Without Power
More than 3.4 million customers are without power across Florida after Hurricane Milton slammed the state, according to poweroutage.us.
The site shows outages impacting more than 3,432,000 customers as of 12:15 p.m. ET Thursday, an increase since earlier this morning.
The outages are seen by county in the graphic below.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 12:10 PM EDT
Hurricane Milton’s Wind Speeds Remain a Serious Threat
Hurricane Milton continued its path across Florida toward the Atlantic Ocean early Thursday, maintaining maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center's 8 a.m. update. The storm remains a Category 1 hurricane.
While Category 1 hurricanes are not classified as "major," they can still cause significant damage. Hurricane Katrina, for example, initially made landfall in Florida in 2005 as a Category 1 storm before becoming one of the deadliest and most costly storms in U.S. history.
Milton's gusts were even stronger than its sustained winds, with some reaching 102 mph in parts of Florida during the early morning hours. Wind gusts, which are sudden bursts in speed, typically exceed sustained winds but last only a few seconds.
Notable gusts included 84 mph at Daytona Beach International Airport, 77 mph at a NASA weather station at Cape Canaveral, and 62 mph at Melbourne International Airport.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 12:05 PM EDT
Sarasota Urges Residents to Stay Put, Conserve Water
Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche said Thursday search and rescue operations are still underway.
"My ask is please don't rush home right now; we're still trying to assess what's going on," Troche said in a video statement. "We still have downed power lines, we still have trees in the roadway."
Sarasota County Emergency Management Chief Sandra Tapfumaneyi reported that damage assessments began Thursday morning, with crews working to clear roads and restore access. "We do have power outages across about 75% of the county, but we are doing the best we can to assess," Tapfumaneyi said.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:54 AM EDT
St. Petersburg Issues Citywide Boil Water Notice
Officials in St. Petersburg, Florida, have issued a boil water notice for residents after major water main breaks caused by Hurricane Milton disrupted the city's drinking water supply.
The notice affects residents in St. Petersburg, Gulfport, South Pasadena, and Lealman.
The city advises using boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and cleaning. According to the CDC, water should be brought to a full rolling boil for at least one minute and then cooled before use.
Crews are currently making repairs, and drinking water access has been restored, though pressure may still be low, officials said.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:49 AM EDT
Bradenton Beach Workers Begin Clearing Storm Debris
City workers began clearing storm debris Thursday morning in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, relieved not to be dealing with the deep floodwaters seen in other areas.
Just two weeks ago, Hurricane Helene had battered homes and businesses, piling sand up to six feet high along Bradenton Beach's streets. Residents had feared that the loss of sand could leave the area more vulnerable to erosion from Hurricane Milton.
Jeremi Roberts of the State Emergency Response Team noted that the remaining sand piles may have actually helped shield homes from further damage caused by Milton in this community, where classic wooden beach bungalows stand alongside newer two- and three-story houses.
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:42 AM EDT
Biden Pledges Federal Support for Storm-Battered Sarasota
Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert said she received an unexpected call from President Joe Biden on Wednesday, during which he pledged federal support to help the city recover from Hurricane Milton.
"He understands ... it will take a lot from the federal government to help us recover in Sarasota," Alpert said in a statement. "We're grateful for the support and thank President Biden for reaching out."
City crews are currently working to clear roadways and assess the damage caused by the storm, according to a statement from the city.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:38 AM EDT
MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Remains Closed After Hurricane Milton
MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa remains closed following an evacuation on Wednesday due to Hurricane Milton, according to the U.S. Air Force.
The base, home to U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command, has about 185 personnel currently operating out of an emergency operations center at Raymond James Stadium.
Thirteen KC-135 aircraft were relocated to McConnell Air Force Base, while other aircraft remained in hangars or were away on military missions. A hurricane recovery team is en route to the base to begin damage assessments, and Air Forces Northern is coordinating Civil Air Patrol flyovers for aerial inspections.
At Patrick Space Force Base, aircraft were also relocated, although no personnel evacuations were ordered. Damage assessments are being conducted by Space Launch Delta 45. Additionally, seven F-16 fighter jets from the 482nd Fighter Wing were transferred from Homestead Air Reserve Base to San Antonio, Texas.
The U.S. Navy reported "negligible damage" at the Mayport, Jacksonville, and Kings Bay naval bases, with normal operations expected to resume on Thursday.
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:33 AM EDT
IV Fluid Manufacturer Reports Florida Facilities Unscathed After Hurricane Milton
B. Braun Medical Inc., a major manufacturer of IV fluids for hospitals across the U.S., announced Thursday that its factory and distribution center in Florida remained intact after Hurricane Milton swept through the state.
The company said it would provide more details later in the day about its Daytona Beach factory, which is expected to resume production on Friday morning.
The facility is a crucial source of sterile intravenous (IV) fluid supplies, which have been in short supply since Hurricane Helene forced Baxter International to shut down a North Carolina factory that produces about 60% of the nation's IV fluid supply.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:29 AM EDT
Sheriff’s Office Rescues 22 in Ongoing Search
The X account for the Pasco Sheriff's Office has posted details of how 22 people rescued so far by members of its office "including Sheriff Chris Nocco, Pasco County Fire Rescue and the National Guard are participating in ongoing water rescues due to flooding from the Anclote River in the area of Mitchell Blvd and Little Rd. Efforts are ongoing and approximately 22 people have been rescued from rising water so far."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:16 AM EDT
Hurricane Milton Spurs 150 Tornadoes, Forces Mass Evacuations Across Florida
Up to 150 tornadoes have been recorded in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, continuing to cause widespread destruction throughout Florida.
Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders in 15 counties, affecting a total population of about 7.2 million people. In Orlando, major attractions including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld remained closed on Thursday.
More than 60% of gas stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg were out of gas Thursday morning, according to GasBuddy, though Gov. Ron DeSantis assured that the state's overall fuel supply was sufficient.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:09 AM EDT
The Clean Up Starts for Some While Others Remain Trapped, Without Power
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:05 AM EDT
Drone Images Show the Impact of Flooding
...
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 10:58 AM EDT
Bridges Reopen in Tampa Area
Several key bridges in the Tampa area have reopened after officials completed damage assessments in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
The Florida Highway Patrol announced Thursday morning that the following bridges have been inspected, cleared, and are open for traffic as of 10 a.m. ET:
- The Skyway Bridge
- The Howard Frankland Bridge
- The Gandy Bridge
The Courtney Campbell Causeway remains closed until further notice.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 10:51 AM EDT
135 People Rescued from Flooded Tampa Assisted Living Facility
At least 135 people have been rescued from the Great American Assisted Living Facility in Tampa, where residents were found in water up to their waists on Thursday morning, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
A CNN team on the scene reported seeing people in wheelchairs and walkers being loaded onto a Hillsborough County school bus as deputies and fire officials continued to work on getting them to safety. One resident told CNN the water level reached his knees.
Authorities responded to the facility around 7:05 a.m. after receiving a call about residents trapped inside, the sheriff's office said.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 10:41 AM EDT
FEMA Director Says Florida Dodged ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ with Hurricane Milton
FEMA Director Deanne Criswell said Thursday that the impacts of Hurricane Milton could have been far worse, emphasizing that Florida avoided the "worst-case scenario" the state had been preparing for.
"What we know for sure is we avoided that worst-case scenario that we were planning for," Criswell told CNN's Kate Bolduan. "But the fact that they prepared for the worst really made sure that they were able to respond to the impacts that they have experienced, and the biggest ones right now are the tornadoes that have been reported across the state."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 10:03 AM EDT
Port Tampa Bay Sustains Minimal Damage from Hurricane Milton, Officials Say
Port Tampa Bay, a crucial hub for Florida's fuel supply, appears to have sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Milton, according to Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
"The port looks good, so we should be able to get fuel in and out of there," Castor said after surveying the port by helicopter. She noted that only one fuel container had a roof peeled back, with no other visible damage from the air.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also confirmed that the port made it through the storm with little impact. "Our initial assessment is they will likely be able to resume operations very quickly," DeSantis said.
Castor expressed relief that Hurricane Milton veered south before making landfall, sparing the area from a massive storm surge. "If Milton had hit on the north side, we would have been in dire circumstances," she said.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:54 AM EDT
Three Major Florida Airports Closed as Damage Assessments Begin
At least three airports will remain closed to passengers as officials assess potential damage caused by the storm.
Tampa International Airport announced Thursday that staff are currently inspecting the airfield and facilities to determine when it can safely reopen. "TPA officials plan to announce a reopening plan later on Thursday, after a thorough inspection of the 3,300-acre campus and its buildings has been completed," the airport said in a statement.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has canceled all flights on Thursday and has not yet announced when flights will resume.
Orlando International Airport reported that emergency crews remained on-site overnight and that damage assessment efforts are now underway. "Once information becomes available about a specific time that commercial operations will resume, we'll be sure to post about it," the airport stated on X.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:50 AM EDT
Residents Use Machete to Clear Debris in Mobile Home Community
The New York Times reports that at Trade Winds mobile home community in Bradenton, Francisco Alba, 37, and his brother-in-law Daniel Alfonso, 27, used a machete to chop sections off a tree that had crushed their father-in-law's small trailer.
Speaking in Spanish through a friend who translated, according to the report they said they planned to repair the damage "old school, because of a lack of resources."
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:43 AM EDT
Biden Briefed on Hurricane Milton Response
President Joe Biden received a briefing Thursday morning on the initial impacts of Hurricane Milton from Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
The White House said Biden will hold another briefing to discuss the federal response to the storm, including the roles of the Pentagon and the Coast Guard in disaster relief efforts.
Vice President Kamala Harris is set to join that briefing by videoconference from Las Vegas, where she is attending campaign events.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:34 AM EDT
Flooding and Debris Block Roads in Fort Myers Area
Many roads in Lee County, where Fort Myers is located, are underwater or blocked by fallen trees, downed power lines, and other debris following Hurricane Milton, according to the local sheriff's office.
In some parts of Lee County, water levels have reached up to 3 feet (0.9 meters), making travel hazardous.
A drawbridge just east of Matlacha, a barrier island community of about 600 residents, is partially blocked by a house, sheriff's officials said. The Matlacha area had previously suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:31 AM EDT
Tampa Officers Rescue 15 People from Home Damaged by Fallen Tree
Tampa police officers rescued 15 people from a one-story home that was damaged when a tree fell as Hurricane Milton swept through the area.
"The swift actions taken by these officers during a break in the storm bands provided this family with a sense of safety in a time of fear and uncertainty," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.
The residents were transported to a nearby shelter as hurricane bands continued to pass through Tampa. No injuries were reported.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:28 AM EDT
Florida TikTok Stars Refuse to Leave Hurricane Milton’s Path
As Hurricane Milton continued its destructive journey through Florida, a host of TikTok stars living in the storm's path refused to evacuate the area.
Perhaps the most famous of them all is Joseph Malinowski, an amputee who lives on a dilapidated boat on Tampa Bay and is popularly known as "Lieutenant Dan." Brought to the wider public's attention by TikToker Terrence Concannon, Malinowski's story has captivated millions of social media users.
For Tampa resident Morgan Roos, her Milton experience took place largely from the confines of her riverfront apartment.
"I decided not to evacuate," she said in a video posted on Wednesday morning under darkening skies and increased rainfall. "I live on the 11th floor of a high-rise building. I'm in the heart of downtown. You know, they say run from water, hide from the wind. Water ain't coming up 200 feet. So I decided to stay."
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:15 AM EDT
Video Shows The Damage Caused to Tropicana Field by High Winds
Oct 10, 2024 at 09:11 AM EDT
Significant Damage from Hurricane Milton Reported in West-Central Florida
West-central Florida, including the community of Plant City, has sustained significant damage from Hurricane Milton, officials said Thursday.
"One of the most profound things I'm seeing is the flooding. We have flooding in places and to levels that I've never seen, and I've lived in this community for my entire life," City Manager Bill McDaniel said in a video posted online. "It's absolutely staggering, what we're seeing out there. Last night, members of our police and fire department performed rescues of 35 individuals from flooded structures here."
Plant City, which has a population of about 40,000 people, is dealing with extensive damage. "The police and fire departments have their hands full," McDaniel added. "We're bringing out crews to clean up the tree debris and get our roadways clear."
Oct 10, 2024 at 08:54 AM EDT
FEMA Faces Funding Shortfall as It Responds to Record Hurricane Season
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. government agency tasked with aiding people affected by disasters, is struggling with a funding shortfall as it responds to an active hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
The Agency is currently providing aid to hurricane victims from a disaster-relief fund that received $20.3 billion from Congress for the current fiscal year. However, due to the severity of recent disasters, the Biden administration has authorized the agency to spend that money faster than initially anticipated.
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters on Oct. 2 that FEMA does not have sufficient funding to cover the remainder of this hurricane season.
Oct 10, 2024 at 08:45 AM EDT
DeSantis: We avoided worst case scenario
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that Hurricane Milton was a significant storm but not "the worst case scenario."
He told reporters that the worst storm surge appeared to be in Sarasota County, where it was 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters) — less than in the worst place during Helene.
"We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses," he said. "The storm was significant but thankfully, this was not the worst case scenario."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 08:42 AM EDT
Flooding Traps Up to 18 People in Apartment Complex
As many as 18 people were trapped inside a Clearwater apartment complex overnight due to severe flooding from Hurricane Milton, Clearwater police reported.
Water rescues were underway as of 7 a.m. Thursday, with crews seen loading residents onto boats in near darkness, according to Clearwater Police Department Public Information Officer Rob Shaw, who spoke to WFTS.
"We've got some serious flooding here at the apartment complex," Shaw said. "We've had multiple calls, possibly as many as 18 residents reported they're being trapped."
Rescue crews were maneuvering through waist-deep water at the complex, with residents saying the water level reached chest height at one point. "Our crews are using inflatable boats and high water vehicles to try to go door to door to check on people," Shaw added. "This is probably just the tip of the iceberg and one of the reasons why we're encouraging people to stay home and stay safe."
Clearwater is located about 30 miles west of Tampa.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 08:42 AM EDT
Milton wind speeds still a serious threat into the morning
Milton powered east-northeast across Florida to the Atlantic Ocean and offshore early Thursday with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour (145 kph), the National Hurricane Center in Miami said in an 8 a.m. update.
That kept Milton at Category 1 hurricane strength.
Category 1 storms, though not considered "major" hurricanes, are still devastating. The catastrophic Hurricane Katrina made its initial landfall along the southeast coast of Florida in 2005 as a Category 1 and was one of the deadliest and most costly storms to hit the mainland U.S. as it strengthened.
Sustained winds differ from gusts, which were reported as high as 102 mph (165 kph) in some parts of Florida during the early hours of Milton. Gusts are sudden bursts in wind speed, are typically higher than sustained winds and last only a few seconds at a time.
Overnight, several high wind gusts were reported, including 84 mph (135 kph) at Daytona Beach International Airport; 77 mph (124 kph) at a NASA weather station at Cape Canaveral; and 62 mph (100 kph) at Melbourne International Airport, the hurricane center said.
Oct 10, 2024 at 08:08 AM EDT
Reports of Four Dead After Tornadoes Hit St. Lucia County
Four people were killed Wednesday after at least two confirmed tornadoes struck St. Lucia County, officials told WPTV on Thursday morning.
Erick Gill, a county spokesperson, said first responders are actively engaged in "response and recovery efforts" after the tornadoes touched down, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m, according to the report.
Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed that multiple fatalities occurred at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community located off Spanish Lakes Boulevard near Fort Pierce.
Oct 10, 2024 at 07:38 AM EDT
Jacksonville Jaguars’ Flight to London Delayed
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced that their arrival in London will be delayed due to Hurricane Milton, ahead of their game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
A team spokesperson confirmed that the departure time has been delayed because of the storm's impact.
Oct 10, 2024 at 07:32 AM EDT
Hurricane Milton’s Damage Expected to Be Severe Across Florida
Hurricane Milton has already left significant damage in its wake, with about 125 homes destroyed before making landfall, many of them mobile homes in communities for older adults. More than 3 million homes and businesses are without electricity, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports.
Residents in St. Petersburg have also lost access to household water after a water main break forced the city to shut down service.
Florida's Gulf Coast, especially vulnerable to storm surge, is experiencing life-threatening high waters in densely populated areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Fort Myers. Milton's impact is expected to be even more severe than Hurricane Helene, which caused drowning deaths in Tampa with storm surges 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels.
Milton is forecast to drop as much as 18 inches of rain as it moves across the state, raising the risk of catastrophic flooding.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 07:14 AM EDT
Scientists Call This Hurricane Season ‘The Weirdest They Have Ever Seen’
Hurricane Milton is just the latest in a storm season that scientists are calling the weirdest they have ever seen.
Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach noted that while Beryl became the earliest storm on record to reach Category 5 status, there was an unusual lull in activity from Aug. 20— the traditional start of peak hurricane season— until Sept. 23. Then, in an unprecedented shift, five hurricanes formed between Sept. 26 and Oct. 6, more than doubling the previous record of two.
On Sunday and Monday, three hurricanes were active simultaneously— a first in recorded history, Klotzbach said.
Milton's rapid intensification also stood out, evolving from a tropical storm with 40 mph winds to a Category 5 hurricane in just 46.5 hours.
While some may speculate about controlling extreme weather events, scientists say hurricanes are far too powerful to manipulate. Instead, they emphasize that climate change is providing more fuel for storms like Helene and Milton, making them more intense and unpredictable.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 07:03 AM EDT
Travel Plans to Florida Disrupted After Hurricane Milton
Several key airports and popular attractions are temporarily shut down due to Hurricane Milton.
Airports, including Tampa International and St. Pete-Clearwater International, have ceased operations. The tourism hub in Orlando, located about 84 miles inland from Tampa, is also significantly impacted. Orlando International Airport — Florida's busiest and the seventh-busiest in the nation — has halted operations.
Major theme parks in Orlando, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, have closed in response to the storm.
Travelers are advised to monitor airline updates and check the status of local attractions before heading to Florida.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 06:53 AM EDT
Sheriff’s Warning: Travel Dangerous in Hurricane Aftermath
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to stay off the roads due to hazardous conditions following Hurricane Milton's impact on the area.
Early Thursday, "first-in" emergency crews reported downed power lines and trees blocking roadways, according to a post from the sheriff's office. Several bridges in the county were also impassable after the storm made landfall near Siesta Key, a barrier island off Sarasota.
"The storm may have passed, but it is still dangerous to be traveling this morning," the sheriff's office said, urging residents and business owners to remain off the roads to give emergency and utility crews space to work.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 06:46 AM EDT
‘Steel Has Been Shredded’: Tourist Describes Florida Vacation Amid Catastrophe
Chris Ball, a Briton on holiday in Florida with his family, described the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton to Sky News, saying the steel frame of their gazebo "has been shredded."
Ball explained to the UK broadcaster that while no evacuation order was issued in their area, they were advised to take shelter. "Our holiday company got in touch and told us it was safe to be here," he said.
Despite the reassurance, Ball described the impact of the storm on their surroundings: "There's not much left of that [gazebo]." He added that his wife and son were "scared" and had locked themselves in their rooms.
Asked why they chose to visit Florida, Ball said the family had been to the state before but hadn't fully understood the risks associated with hurricane season when booking a trip for October. "I wasn't expecting it to be as bad as this," he admitted.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 06:40 AM EDT
Anderson Cooper Hit By Flying Hurricane Milton Debris Live on Air
CNN host Anderson Cooper was hit by flying debris while reporting on Hurricane Milton.
The veteran broadcaster was speaking into the microphone in pouring rain and wind during the Category 3 hurricane in Bradenton, Florida, Wednesday evening. Watch the moment in the video above.
"At the water now, and it's really starting to pour over, woah, okay," he said, ducking away as a piece of Styrofoam blew into his torso at 9.04 p.m. ET, about 30 minutes after Milton made landfall approximately 20 miles south at Siesta Key.
A few minutes later, he said "there is so much rain and wind," gesturing at the weather, while large pieces of debris and plants can be seen streaking across the screen behind him.
The 57-year-old continued broadcasting for several hours. Newsweek has contacted CNN's communications team via email Thursday to ask about his condition.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 06:38 AM EDT
Rescue Teams Move People to Safety, Clear Roads in Tampa Area
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has launched rescue operations in at least one neighborhood following the impact of Hurricane Milton.
"Our teams are on the ground, moving people to safety," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.
Sheriff Chad Chronister reported that crews have been responding to emergency calls since early Thursday. "Our cut teams are out cutting trees, trying to open up some of the roadways. There are downed powerlines and trees everywhere. Please stay indoors. We'll let you know when it's safe to come out," he said.
Officials in nearby Pinellas County, which includes St. Petersburg, are also urging residents to remain indoors until conditions improve.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 06:32 AM EDT
Multiple Rescues in Palm Beach County After Tornadoes Cause Widespread Damage
Several people were rescued from debris and overturned vehicles in Palm Beach County after tornadoes reportedly touched down in the area on Wednesday evening, according to CNN citing local officials.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue told CNN emergency crews responded to 911 calls starting around 5 p.m. and continued their operations for nearly an hour. Reports stated residents were found trapped under debris or stuck in vehicles that had been overturned by the powerful winds.
"Our crews on the scene reported several damaged homes, vehicles picked up and moved, and debris all over the area," Fire Rescue said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Five patients, including three trauma cases, were transported to local hospitals, while other individuals with minor injuries were treated on-site reported CNN.
Fire officials have urged residents to stay off the roads in the area as cleanup and debris removal efforts continue.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 06:20 AM EDT
‘Lieutenant Dan’ Survives Hurricane Milton After Riding Out Storm in Sailboat
A Tampa man, nicknamed "Lieutenant Dan," is safe after weathering Hurricane Milton aboard his sailboat as the storm hit Florida's Gulf Coast.
In videos shared by journalists on X (formerly known as Twitter) late Wednesday, Oct. 9, the man—identified as Joseph Malinowski—was seen on his 20-foot boat after the hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 storm. Malinowski's nickname comes from the character played by Gary Sinise in the 1994 film Forrest Gump.
Kevin O'Donnell, an anchor for FOX 13 News, posted a clip with the caption, "'Lieutenant Dan' UPDATE: He survived to talk about his wild night riding out Hurricane Milton on his 20 ft sailboat. #LieutenantDan #HurricaneMilton."
Oct 10, 2024 at 05:58 AM EDT
Floridians Anxiously Await Daybreak to Assess Hurricane Milton’s Damage
Residents in Florida are anxiously waiting for dawn to reveal the full scale of the damage left by Hurricane Milton, with many hoping to return home as soon as possible to assess their properties.
Kevin Del Orbe, a resident of Tallahassee, spoke to Sky News about the uncertainty faced by those who fled their homes. "I have a lot of family and friends that are in the direct path of the storm. They've lost power, some can't get in contact with their family," he said. "So it's kind of just a waiting game. We have to wait until morning and assess the damage."
Del Orbe noted that while many residents complied with evacuation orders, some chose to stay. "Some people enjoy the risk that comes with these storms," he explained. "It is a bit of a Floridian thing to not evacuate because these storms are very common and just part of the lifestyle living in the state. But I would say it's unwise, especially if you're living on the coast."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 05:37 AM EDT
Video Shows Huge Tornado Leaving Upturned Cars
Oct 10, 2024 at 05:33 AM EDT
Over 70,000 People in Shelters as Hurricane Milton Slammed into Florida
More than 70,000 people took refuge in government shelters overnight as Hurricane Milton continues to wreak havoc across Florida, according to U.S. officials.
Deanne Criswell, the administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said the mass evacuations followed orders issued by 31 counties in the state.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today program, Criswell warned that despite the storm's winds decreasing, the threats remain high. "The wind, even though it's decreasing, the threats are not decreasing," she said. "With the increased amount of rain, with the threat of flash flooding happening, you need to stay put. Don't go out, try to make sure you're as safe as possible."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 05:24 AM EDT
Reports: Tornado Flattens Homes in St. Lucie County ‘Like a Weight Dropped from the Sky.’
As authorities confirm fatalities in Florida due to tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton, reports are emerging about the scale of the destruction.
A tornado was spotted at the Spanish Lakes Country Club north of Port St. Lucie along Florida's Atlantic coast, according to a witness speaking to Treasure Coast Newspapers.
"It looked like someone had dropped a weight from the sky and flattened a bunch of houses," resident of Lakewood Park in St. Lucie County Doug Anderson told reporters.
Anderson described witnessing numerous injuries and extensive property damage caused by the tornado in the report "One of the last houses I went to looked like it had been ripped in half," he said. "The people were out front crying."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 05:15 AM EDT
Hurricane Milton Leaves Behind Flooding and Tornado Threats
The eye of Hurricane Milton, which moved overnight from near the Tampa Bay area toward Orlando and Cape Canaveral, is now passing the Florida peninsula and exiting the east coast, according to updated reports from CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam.
Although the storm has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane, it continues to batter parts of the coast with strong onshore winds that could generate tornadoes along Florida's Treasure Coast, Van Dam said. Wind gusts have reached up to 83 mph in Daytona Beach, with storm surges of up to 4 feet still possible as the storm moves away, according to his live report.
Reuters are reporting that heavy rains also remain a significant threat, with some areas experiencing months' worth of rainfall in a single day. Flash flooding has been reported in Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, extending north and east toward Orlando, where flood warnings are still in effect.
The combination of inland flooding draining toward the coast and storm surge pushing in the opposite direction could lead to even worse flooding, which may not subside until the hurricane moves farther from the area, Van Dam concluded.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 05:00 AM EDT
Tornado Update: Over Two Dozen Now Recorded Ripping Through Florida
At least 27 tornadoes have torn through Florida as Hurricane Milton barrelled across the state, officials said.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that it is still working to confirm all tornado reports due to the hazardous conditions.
Meteorology professor Victor Gensini described the intensity of the tornadoes generated by Hurricane Milton as "definitely out of the ordinary."
"Hurricanes do produce tornadoes, but they're usually weak... There's an incredible amount of swirling going on," Gensini told the Associated Press.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 04:50 AM EDT
Milton Leaves Florida
According to a live CNN report, Hurricane Milton has just exited mainland Florida, moving into the Atlantic Ocean from the east coast of the state.
One of the areas hardest hit by tornadoes caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida was a senior mobile home retirement community, according to Port St. Lucie Assistant City Manager Teresa Lamar-Sarno CNN reported.
First responders in the area are actively conducting search and rescue operations where needed, Lamar-Sarno told CNN's Victor Blackwell on Thursday morning.
"We've had downed traffic lights, we've had homes hit with tornadoes, we have downed trees, downed power lines, water on the roads," she said.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 04:23 AM EDT
Power Outages by County: updated power loss now affects 3 million homes and businesses
The website poweroutage.us has this current graphic showing current power loss on Thursday at 04.22 EST.
The number of homes and businesses without power has now been updated to over 3 million, potentially impacting on 6 million Floridians.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 04:11 AM EDT
Biden Slams Trump for Spreading ‘Onslaught of Lies’ About Hurricane Response
President Joe Biden on Wednesday criticized former President Donald Trump for spreading an "onslaught of lies" about the federal government's handling of Hurricane Helene, as Hurricane Milton approached landfall in Florida.
"Quite frankly, these lies are un-American," Biden said during remarks from the White House. "Former President Trump has led this onslaught of lies."
Biden accused Trump and his allies of misrepresenting the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) response and resources. He also singled out Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, for claiming that the federal government could control the weather.
When asked why he believed his Republican opponents were mischaracterizing the government's response, Biden said, "I don't know."
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 03:54 AM EDT
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway in Florida
Search and rescue operations are underway in Florida after a series of dangerous tornadoes swept through the area, officials said.
Approximately 125 homes were destroyed before Hurricane Milton made landfall, with many of the damaged properties being mobile homes in senior citizen communities, according to Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida's Division of Emergency Management.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson shared a video on Facebook showing a 10,000-square-foot (930-square-meter) iron building twisted into a crumpled heap by a tornado. The structure, which housed the sheriff's patrol cars, was empty at the time of the collapse, Pearson said.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 03:45 AM EDT
Taylor Swift Donates $5 Million to Hurricane Relief Efforts
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has donated $5 million to support relief efforts for communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Babineaux-Fontenot thanked Swift for "standing with us in the movement to end hunger and for helping communities in need."
"We're incredibly grateful to Taylor Swift for her generous $5 million donation to Hurricanes Helene and Milton relief efforts," Babineaux-Fontenot wrote. "This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms."
Oct 10, 2024 at 03:30 AM EDT
Multiple Cranes Collapse in St. Petersburg as Hurricane Milton Hits Florida
The National Weather Service reported receiving multiple reports of crane collapses in St. Petersburg due to high winds from Hurricane Milton. The city is located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Siesta Key, where the storm made landfall.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue confirmed one crane collapse late Wednesday, approximately six blocks from the city's pier. There were no reports of injuries.
The crane was at the construction site of a 515-foot-tall (157-meter) luxury high-rise building, planned to be one of the tallest structures on Florida's west coast, with completion scheduled for summer 2025.
...
Oct 10, 2024 at 03:28 AM EDT
Hurricane Milton Spawns Deadly Tornadoes in Florida
Hurricane Milton triggered at least 19 tornadoes across Florida according to Reuters, with police reporting two two elderly residents killed in Fort Pierce as the storm unleashed powerful surges and freak winds.
Rescue teams are searching for survivors trapped in a retirement community in Fort Pierce, where hundreds of homes were reported to be "completely totaled," St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson told CNN's Laura Coates.
"We are not going to get into how many, but I can tell you it's more than one person who has lost their life that we already recovered," Pearson told CNN.
Emergency services in Orlando, including police and firefighters, have suspended their operations due to the extreme conditions, with forecasters warning of storm surges up to 13 feet. Flash flood warnings remain in effect across Tampa.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines