Florida officials issue advisory cautioning against utilizing roadways
After relocating, Hurricane "Milton" no longer poses a threat in Florida, but the situation is far from stable. Road barriers are compromised, power lines and trees have crumbled onto paths, and in certain regions, it's still raining heavily.
Authorities in Florida have advised residents to steer clear of roads in impacted areas. Information from the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office shows that power lines and trees have blocked roads, making it impossible to pass through. Several bridges in the county are unable to navigate as well.
Residents and businesses are instructed to refrain from using roads to allow emergency teams and utility crews to perform necessary tasks. The sheriff's office stated, "Although the hurricane has passed, it's still not safe to travel today."
Similarly, other regions have encouraged their residents to avoid roads. Emergency teams in Hillsborough County are working to eliminate fallen trees and clear roads. "There are downed power lines and trees everywhere," declared Sheriff Chad Chronister via Facebook. "Stay indoors. We'll notify you when it's safe to leave."
Milton made landfall in Florida on Wednesday evening as a Category 3 hurricane. It later reconvened in the Gulf after causing widespread destruction throughout the state.
Although Milton moved further away, authorities continue to caution about heavy rainfalls and strong winds, specifically in southeastern and central Florida. Various parts of the state are predicted to receive between 50 to 100 liters of rain per square meter. Penned by the U.S. Hurricane Center, a storm surge warning was issued for the west coast.
Fatalities and Injuries
Several fatalities have been recorded in a senior living complex due to a tornado related to Milton, according to Sheriff Keith Pearson. He spoke with CNN but didn't disclose precise figures. He did mention, "I can assure you that multiple lives have been lost, and we have retrieved their bodies." Approximately 200 rescue workers are still searching for individuals possibly trapped in the complex.
The city of Palm Beach, west coast, required emergency responders to rescue several residents from collapsed buildings or vehicles toppled by the wind. Various injured individuals were transported to local hospitals, reported the city fire department.
Power Outages and Water Main Rupture
Over 3.2 million households in Florida experienced power failures, statistics from poweroutage.us show. At least 70,000 people sought shelter in emergency shelters, as per the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency head, Deanne Criswell, to BBC Radio 4. Prior to Milton's arrival, 31 counties had ordered evacuations. "Even though the storm has weakened, the threat persists," she said.
The east coast region surrounding Tampa was particularly affected, designated a high-risk area before Milton struck. In St. Petersburg, water service was temporarily halted due to a water main burst. Repairs were scheduled to commence upon ensuring worker safety. St. Petersburg houses around 260,000 residents.
Damage at the Tampa Bay Rays Baseball Stadium
The hurricane caused significant damage at the Tampa Bay Rays Stadium, posing numerous difficulties for Florida sports teams. The fiberglass roof sustained serious damage from the storm's high winds, dispersing debris over a wide area. Due to the hurricane, the stadium was utilized as a gathering point for rescue teams and state and local disaster response services. No casualties were reported initially.
Severe Winds
Milton reached the coast with winds reaching 193 kilometers per hour, classified as Category 3 out of 5. Since then, the storm has weakened to Category 1, with wind speeds ranging from 119 to 153 kilometers per hour. Several times, firefighters and police were unable to intervene on account of the storm's hazards.
German climatologist Mojib Latif linked the growth of severe hurricanes over the past decade to climate change. In an interview with Deutschlandfunk, he stated, "Indeed, the destructive power of hurricanes has increased. This is directly connected to the warming of the world's oceans."
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch recalled that just two weeks ago, Hurricane "Helene" battered Florida, resulting in over 200 casualties. In an interview with MSNBC, he stated, "This is just a representation of the new normal: storms are intensifying, migrating faster, and testing infrastructure."
Tropical cyclones form over tropical ocean waters. The Atlantic hurricane season commences in June and concludes by the end of November.
Despite the relocation, heavy rains continue to pose a challenge in certain regions of Florida, contributing to the ongoing flood situation. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the state, warning residents to stay informed and prepared.
The flooding has led to significant road closures, making it difficult for emergency crews and utility workers to reach affected areas. Residents are urged to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary to keep the roads clear for those who need them most.
