Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday night, resulting in at least six deaths, causing extensive damage, leaving an estimated 3 million Floridians without power. However, as relief operations begin in the affected areas, initial assessments suggest that the state has managed to avert the predicted “worst-case scenario” thanks to a lower-than-expected storm surge.
“The storm was significant, but thankfully this was not the worst-case scenario,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said during a Thursday morning press briefing. “Definitely the surge did not reach [Hurricane] Helene levels.”
Sarasota County, near where Hurricane Milton made landfall, saw the largest storm surge of between 8 and 10 feet. Though significant, this fell well short of the anticipated surge of 15-20 feet, which Hurricane Helene produced two weeks prior. Official reports estimate up to 18 inches of rainfall in Pinellas and Hillsborough County. The deadly storm surge predicted for the nearby city of Tampa never materialized.
Governor DeSantis further added that the extent of the damage, as well as the total number of fatalities, is still being confirmed by local officials, with more information to come as search and rescue missions, debris removal, and utility restoration efforts progress.
“We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” DeSantis said. “We’ve got more to do, but we will absolutely get through this.”
Though the worst-case scenario was averted, Hurricane Milton did not pass through the Sunshine State quietly.
In Tampa, winds in excess of 120 miles per hour sent a construction crane toppling into the headquarters of the Tampa Bay Times, tearing a gaping hole in the side of the building.
In St. Petersburg, the cloth roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, was torn to shreds. The baseball stadium was being used as a staging area for line workers and first responders, but the extensive damage forced authorities to redeploy them to other sites before the storm made landfall. No injuries were reported amidst the damage to the structure.
Here’s some drone video we shot giving you a look at the extensive damage to the roof and the inside of Tropicana Field, the home of @RaysBaseball. pic.twitter.com/WLL1uD8PHh
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 10, 2024
According to the most recent information, the six known deaths were the result of the estimated 150 tornadoes that spun up ahead of the hurricane’s arrival.
Significant flooding was also reported in downtown St. Augustine and St. Johns County, which issued mandatory evacuations. Plant City, just inland from Tampa, also saw record floods.
3 million homes and businesses were left without power as of Thursday morning. 74% of Hillsborough County had no electricity, along with 97% of Hardee, 82% of Manatee, 68% of Pinellas, and 75% of Sarasota, per the Palm Beach Post. Efforts are already underway to restore power to affected areas.
President Joe Biden, who had coordinated with DeSantis ahead of the storm, urged Florida residents to stay inside and off the roads, promising that “help is on the way.”
To everyone impacted by Hurricane Milton: I urge you stay inside and off the roads.
Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions.
Help is on the way, but until it arrives, shelter in place until your local officials say it’s safe to go out.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 10, 2024
Former President Donald Trump also sent a message to Florida residents, stating that “Melania and I are praying for you as you face the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.”
“We are deeply saddened by the devastation being reported,” he continued. “We want God to be with you. We know God is with you. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you. To those who’ve lost so much, know that you are not alone. We’ve seen you stand tall against storms before, and you will stand tall now.”
He concluded by promising to help rebuild Florida “stronger, bigger, better than ever before” upon retaking the White House.
TO THE GREAT PEOPLE OF FLORIDA… pic.twitter.com/hv34G8hpr2
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2024
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for additional updates.
For an in-depth look at the recent controversies surrounding FEMA, watch this explainer video from Patrick Bet-David.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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