At least 17 people have died after Hurricane Milton devastated portions of Florida, as the extent of damage caused becomes clear in the wake of the storm.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night near Sarasota County’s Siesta Key, spawning dozens of tornadoes, 28ft waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surge.
Six people in St Lucie County retirement village have been killed by tornadoes brought on by the hurricane after a dozen twisters spawned in the region within 20 minutes.
About 1.8m homes and businesses in Florida were still without power early on Saturday, with those in the west-central region the worst impacted. More than 50,000 linemen have been deployed in an effort to restore power, governor Ron DeSantis announced on Thursday.
Ferocious winds caused a crane to collapse into The Tampa Bay Times in St Petersburg, while the Tampa Bay Rays that it was “hurt” after the roof of its Tropicana Field stadium was left in disrepair.
All wind and storm surge warnings for Milton have been discontinued after the hurricane exited Florida’s east coast. The National Hurricane Center warned that “hazards remain” from damaged buildings, downed power lines and floodwaters.
Key Points
- Death toll climbs to 17 including six killed by tornadoes in St Lucie County
- Hurricane Milton warnings discontinued – but ‘hazards remain’
- 2.5m homes and businesses still without power in Florida
‘Significant river flooding' expected to continue for the coming days to weeks
06:52
Stuti Mishra
Hurricane Milton has exited Florida but the risk of flooding from overflowing rivers is expected to continue for days to weeks, the National Weather Service has warned.
"Widespread moderate and major flooding is occurring in Central Florida and St Johns River Basin, with record flooding occurring or forecast to occur at four locations," the
Southeast River Forecast Center (SERFC) of NWS said.
"River flooding is expected to last for days to weeks."
While little to no rain is expected in the Southeast for the next several days, river levels are expected to continue rising at many locations due to routed flows from rain that already fell.
There’s no immediate tropical threat to Florida after Milton
06:30
Stuti Mishra
Social media rumors about another storm hitting Florida are untrue, FOX 13 Tampa meteorologists stressed Friday.
“Let’s put it this way: could something develop in the northwestern Caribbean Sea and end up over us in ten days? It’s not a zero percent chance,” Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto said. “But of all the things that could happen, I would say it’s less than 5 or 10 percent.”
Dellegatto emphasized that nothing is currently brewing in the Caribbean Sea, adding that “there’s not even a cloud there.”
Sailboat owner says ‘all hell broke loose’ while riding out Milton with cat
06:00
Julia Musto
Longtime Floridian Lenny Lopez told CNN Friday that he feared losing his sailboat after riding out Hurricane Milton at a marina in Ruskin near Tampa Bay.
He was with his cat, Roscoe.
Lopez said Milton’s winds shifted late Wednesday, and “all hell broke loose.”
“This storm was blowing so hard that the water was flat, but the wind just shook you like a rag doll,” said Lopez.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport sustains loss of entire roof over concourse B
05:30
Julia Musto
SRQ has suffered the loss of its entire roof over concourse B that covers the screening checkpoint, and all 13 aircraft loading gates⛈️
— SRQ Airport (@SRQAirport) October 11, 2024
SRQ will remain closed until October 16th, at 9 am.
The SRQ team is hard at work, we thank you for your understanding pic.twitter.com/7tlg0jEsWB
Florida Senator Rick Scott promises state will recover: ‘We will rebuild even stronger'
05:00
Julia Musto
Just visited Lithia to receive a briefing from @HCSOSheriff @ChadChronister, Hillsborough County officials & local emergency management leaders regarding response & recovery efforts.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 11, 2024
Our first responders & emergency management leaders here are 100% focused on saving lives, and… pic.twitter.com/hhVGjvZ9vO
Phosphate mine spill in Tampa Bay after Hurricane Milton
04:39
Stuti Mishra
The owner of a major phosphate mine disclosed that pollution spilled into Tampa Bay during the hurricane.
The Mosaic Company said in a statement that heavy rains from the storm overwhelmed a collection system at its Riverview site, pushing excess water out of a manhole and into discharges that lead to the bay. The company said the leak was fixed on Thursday.
Mosaic said the spill likely exceeded a 17,500-gallon minimum reporting standard, though it did not provide a figure for what the total volume might have been.
Congressman tours Holmes Beach destruction: ‘Heartbreaking'
04:30
Julia Musto
Heartbreaking to see the level of destruction on Holmes Beach.
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) October 11, 2024
City officials are working around the clock to restore power, water and sewer access. pic.twitter.com/Z0fSN9Zj3M
91-year-old woman rescued from Hillsborough County home
04:00
Julia Musto
#teamHCSO rescued a 91-year-old woman stranded in her home as floodwaters rose in Lithia, near the Alafia River. Residents are currently facing over 6 feet of flooding, and our deputies are working hard to ensure everyone’s safety. pic.twitter.com/dw4fXv134L
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 11, 2024
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell says agency will need supplemental funding from Congress
03:30
Julia Musto
FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell told reporters Friday that her agency will need more funding passed soon.
“The Disaster Relief Fund certainly does not have enough money to continue recoveries for everything that I have through the entire fiscal year,” Criswell said.
“We’re assessing every day how much it’s drawing down on that so I can continue to work with my leadership as well as Congress as far as when we will need a supplemental,” she said. “We will need one. It’s just a matter of when.”
DeSantis says portions of Manasota Key Island are ‘unpassable'
03:00
Julia Musto
Manasota Key suffered storm surge and strong winds. Portions of the main road on the island are unpassable. We have deployed Florida Highway Patrol with skid steers to help move sand off of the roadway, and will continue to fulfill emergency needs missions for Charlotte County. pic.twitter.com/k8B2tRaeJ0
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 11, 2024
National Hurricane Center’s track forecasts for Milton were ‘exceptional'
02:30
Julia Musto
The National Hurricane Center’s track forecasts for the eventual path of Hurricane Milton were unusually accurate.
The storm was always predicted to come ashore near Tampa Bay.
Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami, told Axios that this never changed. The track forecasts, he said, outperformed their typical average error rates for such storms.
“The track forecasts of the landfall location were exceptional,” McNoldy said. “I think we all wish they could always be that accurate for so long. It doesn’t change the fate of the eventual impacts, but it certainly helps with preparation and evacuation.”
Video captures moment 8 people were rescued from a flooded house
02:00
Julia Musto
#teamHCSO sprang into action to rescue a family from severe flooding in Dover. Eight people, including a child, were trapped in their home with water levels reaching over 6 feet. HCSO safely evacuated the entire family. pic.twitter.com/TUtlu3QlC4
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 11, 2024
More than 77 percent of Tampa’s gas station without fuel
01:30
Julia Musto
More than 77 percent of Tampa gas stations are without fuel, according to gas tracking site GasBuddy.
Hurricane Milton has led to shortages across Florida.
In Sarasota, over 62 percent of stations are running dry.
Shortages have led to disputes, according to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
“We realize demand is great and frustration can be high while the fuel companies work through restocking essential supplies, but we urge you to be patient and respectful of others,” the office said.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport to reopen early Saturday
01:00
Julia Musto
PIE will reopen Saturday Oct 12th. The terminal will open at 4:30 am. Check airlines for flight info. Be careful on roads as many traffic lights are out. Limited parking options available.
— St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (@iflypie) October 11, 2024
Even Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Republican colleagues are outraged by her ‘loony toons’ hurricane conspiracies
Saturday 12 October 2024 00:30
Julia Musto
House Republicans are becoming more and more frustrated with their colleague Marjorie Taylor Greene and her bizarre, and debunked, claims that Democrats are “controlling the weather” following the recent devastation caused by hurricanes in the southeastern US.
The Maga firebrand from Georgia has doubled down on her conspiracy, leading even her fellow party members to speculate that she “needs [her] head examined.”
The Independent’s Mike Bedigan has more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/marjorie-taylor-greene-hurricane-conspiracy-republicans-b2628001.html
2M customers still without power before sunset
Saturday 12 October 2024 00:00
Julia Musto
More than 2 million customers are still without power in Florida late Friday afternoon, according to tracker PowerOutage.US.
Hillsborough County alone has more than 462,000 outages.
Pasco County recommends residents of flood-prone areas evacuate
Friday 11 October 2024 23:30
Julia Musto
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office recommends that residents residing in low-lying areas prone to flooding evacuate for their safety. With the significant rain from Hurricane Milton throughout the Tampa Bay area, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is monitoring river flooding in two areas:
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) October 11, 2024
·… pic.twitter.com/jw8MEsp2q3
83-year-old man with late-stage Alzheimer’s found dead after wandering away in Polk County
Friday 11 October 2024 23:00
Julia Musto
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that 83-year-old Marco Grillo, a Lakeland man with late-stage Alzheimer’s, was found dead after wandering away Thursday following Hurricane Milton.
Authorities located Grillo’s body Friday morning. The Sheriff’s Office Air Unit spotted him floating beneath the surface of the floodwaters behind his residence.
Marco’s wife, Suzanne, told detectives that the couple had been sleeping in their van at the front of their Alderman Road neighborhood. Their home had been flooded by heavy rain during the storm.
Grillo was reportedly in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, had a heart condition, and had bad circulation.
“Despite Mr. Grillo being found in his backyard, the area was so flooded that our Aviation Unit had to direct deputies on an airboat to him. Our prayers are with his family, Sheriff Grady Judd said on Facebook.
Death toll jumps to 17
Friday 11 October 2024 22:30
Julia Musto
There have been 17 deaths as a result of Hurricane Milton, according to NBC News.
There was one death in Citrus County, two deaths in Pinellas County, six in St. Lucie County, four in Volusia County, one in Polk County, two in Hillsborough County, and one in Orange County.
Tampa police rescue 15 people from home destroyed by tree in Hurricane Milton
Friday 11 October 2024 22:00
Julia Musto
Amid Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Police Department rescued 15 people from a single-story home on E. Wood St.
The Independent’s Reann Philogene has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/us-news/police-rescue-hurricane-milton-b2627994.html
Disney resort faces backlash after charging guests stranded by Hurricane Milton for ‘sandwich kits’
Friday 11 October 2024 21:30
James Liddell
A Disney resort is facing backlash for appearing to charge it guests, stranded by Hurricane Milton for emergency “sandwich kits”.
The kits include peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, and utensils and were being sold for $10 (£7.65) to those affected by the natural disaster.
Millions have been affected by Hurricane Milton which has hit Florida and its surrounding areas. The Category 3 storm has led to at least 14 deaths, 3.4 million power outages and significant damage which is yet to be determined.
Alligators and stingrays could be loose in Florida floodwaters prompting warnings from officials
Friday 11 October 2024 21:00
Julia Musto
Massive Florida gators, stingrays and other creatures could be lying in wait in the murky floodwaters from Hurricane Milton, officials have warned.
Florida wildlife officials say multiple species are more active following hurricanes and tropical storms, with flooding displacing the creatures.
“Alligators may be observed more frequently in flooded areas after a hurricane or tropical storm,” Florida officials cautioned.
Frank Robb, the founder of a nonprofit environmental education group, told NewsNation on Thursday that coastal residents may have different concerns related to wild animals than those located inland.
“If you’re coastal, you have to worry about everything from stingrays to alligators,” he said. “If you’re in South Florida, you gotta think about crocodiles, snakes — of course.”
The Independent’s Julia Musto has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/florida-hurricane-relief-alligators-floodwater-b2627914.html
Watch: Coast Guard’s dramatic rescue as man left clinging to ice box 30 miles out at sea
Friday 11 October 2024 20:30
James Liddell
#Breaking An @USCG Air Station Miami 65 helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to a cooler approximately 30 mi. off Longboat Key.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 10, 2024
The man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care.
Sector St. Pete lost communications w/ the man at approx. 6:45 p.m., Wed. #SAR pic.twitter.com/64wSHuRAeH
Coast Guard rescues ship captain clinging to cooler in Gulf of Mexico after Hurricane Milton
Friday 11 October 2024 20:00
Julia Musto
A ship’s captain clutching a cooler was rescued 30 miles off the coast of Florida by the US Coast Guard after Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc.
The man was spotted clinging to the make-shift liferaft as a helicopter crew from the Coast Guard Air Station Miami lifted him from the high seas to safety on Thursday afternoon.
However, this wasn’t the first time the seaman was rescued this week, as he first ran into trouble on Monday before the storm made landfall.
The Independent’s Madeline Sherratt has more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-milton-cooler-rescue-captain-coastguard-b2627887.html
Watch: Harris takes swipe at Trump’s Hurricane Milton and Helene remarks in latest attack ad
Friday 11 October 2024 19:30
James Liddell
Donald Trump has continued to attack the Biden adminstration for its response to the two hurricanes that slammed into the Florida coastline in as many weeks.
President Joe Biden has called Trump’s claims an “onslaught of lies”. Now, the Harris campaign has released a new attack ad branding Trump a “liar” for “amplifying false claims”.
In moments of crisis, Americans need a leader—not a liar.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 11, 2024
WATCH: pic.twitter.com/XhpWqmDV3o
President Biden will visit Florida on Sunday
Friday 11 October 2024 19:00
Julia Musto
President Joe Biden will travel to Florida on Sunday to visit areas impacted by Hurricane Milton.
Meteorologists sent death threats after being accused of ‘creating and steering’ Hurricane Milton
Friday 11 October 2024 18:30
James Liddell
Meteorologists have been receiving death threats following a slew of conspiracy theories that they “created and steered” Hurricane Milton.
Misinformation spread by former President Donald Trump and his MAGA loyalists have hindered the abilities to help the worst-hit communities, FEMA said.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene spread a wild conspiracy theory that “they,” meaning the federal government, “can control the weather”.
Now, meteorologists are facing backlash thanks to the false claims.
“I’ve never seen a storm garner so much misinformation, we have just been putting out fires of wrong information everywhere,” Katie Nickolaou, a Michigan-based meteorologist, told The Guardian.
“I have had a bunch of people saying I created and steered the hurricane, there are people assuming we control the weather.”
She added: “But it’s taken a turn to more violent rhetoric, especially with people saying those who created Milton should be killed.”
DeSantis speaks in Bradenton Beach
Friday 11 October 2024 18:03
Julia Musto
Governor DeSantis Holds a Media Availability in Bradenton Beach Following Hurricane Milton https://t.co/cVgnZRilMp
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 11, 2024
Baby girl born in Pinellas County shelter
Friday 11 October 2024 18:00
Julia Musto
A girl was born in a Pinellas County shelter, officials said at a briefing on Friday morning.
The shelter’s staff helped with the delivery, said Pinellas County Director of Emergency Management Cathie Perkins.
“Just beautiful to see that new life in the middle of all this destruction,” she said.
Dumpster truck flies through couple’s roof – six days after closing on property
Friday 11 October 2024 17:20
James Liddell
A couple had a two-ton dumpster truck trailer smash through their roof just six days after closing on their new home.
Known only as Bonnie and John, the husband and wife purchased the property in Avenir, Palm Beach just days after Hurricane Helene raced through the state.
Then, before even moving furniture into their home, the unthinkable: a tornado in the area launched a trailer at the property, leaving a gaping hole in the roof.
“You could see the dumpster right through here,” Bonnie told local news station 12 News. “It was like, oh, my god, we got to get out of here. You don't know if the whole roof is going to go down.”
She continued: “It was like in the movies. The winds were going, things were, you know, swirling there were no cows up there but everything else was going so we ran into the bathroom over here which does not have glass. And it worked. We came out unscathed.”
Flights resume at Tampa, Orlando airports
Friday 11 October 2024 17:00
Julia Musto
Flights in and out of Florida resumed Thursday night and Friday morning, following closures due to Hurricane Milton.
Tampa International Airport shared a video of its first flight, which left Friday at 8 a.m. EDT.
Orlando International Airport reopened on Thursday night, although the central Florida hub sustained some damage. Officials posted a photograph of a fallen palm tree blocking an access road.
Operational Update/9 – Hurricane Milton
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) October 11, 2024
Our airport is open and operational for all commercial flights. Please check with your airline directly for any specific updates prior to your travels. Welcome back! pic.twitter.com/xzZoM31sNU
Hillsborough County officials continue evacuations as houses and cars submerged
Friday 11 October 2024 16:29
James Liddell
#teamHCSO is out this morning, assisting residents with evacuations as the Alafia River near Rose Street has flooded. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. pic.twitter.com/LluK06UlBD
— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) October 11, 2024
DeSantis gives an update on Milton relief
Friday 11 October 2024 16:02
Julia Musto
Governor DeSantis Holds a Press Conference in St. Petersburg Following Hurricane Milton https://t.co/eHiTXaEpBM
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 11, 2024
Climate change increased rainfall from Hurricane Milton by 20-30 percent
Friday 11 October 2024 15:45
Julia Musto
Climate change increased rainfall from Hurricane Milton by 20 to 30 percent, according to a new rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution.
Rainfall storms similar to Milton are now about twice as likely as they were without human-induced warming, the group found.
In addition, climate change made wind speeds from the hurricane approximately 10 percent stronger.
World Weather Attribution said their findings for Milton are similar to those following Hurricane Helene.
In photos: Rescuers wade through flood water as homes and roads underwater
Friday 11 October 2024 15:20
James Liddell
Woman killed in St. Lucie County tornado remembered as ‘the best mother anyone could ask for'
Friday 11 October 2024 15:00
Julia Musto
Deborah Kennedy, 66, was among at least six people who were killed Wednesday in St. Lucie County following a tornado outbreak.
She was inside the Spanish Lakes Country Club retirement community.
“I would like the world knowing what an amazing person my mother was, that she was the best mother anybody could ask for,” Kennedy’s daughter told WPTV.
“She was always there to listen, always there for anything. She was an amazing grandmother and my daughter and her other grandchildren love her so much. My mom has been my best friend for years, absolutely incredible with my dad. He was sick and she left her job to take care of him full-time. Just an amazing person,” she said.
Nearly 1K people have been rescued in Florida
Friday 11 October 2024 14:43
Julia Musto
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said late Thursday that 999 individuals and 105 animals have been rescued since Hurricane Milton made landfall in his state.
There are 23 Urban Search and Rescue Teams, comprised of more than 1,600 personnel, deployed in Florida, and 10 Swift Water Teams.
Tampa Bay Rays shares ‘hurt’ after Tropicana Field stadium’s roof shredded by hurricane
Friday 11 October 2024 14:20
James Liddell
Florida Major League Baseball team the Tampa Bay Rays has shared its “hurt” after its stadium, Tropicana Field, had its roof ripped apart during Hurricane Milton.
Read the team’s full statement and the damage to the roof below.
To our Rays family, fans and the entire Tampa Bay community. pic.twitter.com/X9fwjZdcRX
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) October 10, 2024
Should Floridians exit the Sunshine State? Some residents think so
Friday 11 October 2024 13:19
James Liddell
Some Floridians have be left wondering whether to move out of the Sunshine State, after Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene both ripped through the region within the space of two weeks.
In Siesta Key, Sarasota County, where Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday evening, homeowners don’t think they can survive increasingly damaging natural disasters.
CNN spoke with one family that moved to the west coast city just a month ago from Texas, only to have their home desolated twice by hurricanes.
Another Siesta Key resident said that “you have to have a fortress” to combat the brutal winds, flash floods and storm surge spawned from hurricanes.
The woman said that she and her husband would be moving to Los Angeles.
Don’t become victim to post-hurricane scam, Florida officials warn
Friday 11 October 2024 12:20
James Liddell
Florida officials have warned of “fly-by-night” fraudsters looking to capitalize from the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene.
Pinellas County’s Consumer Protection arm urged caution when hiring workers to help repair damage to properties, warning of “home improvement scam,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
Officials urged residents to watch out for “‘fly-by-night’ contractors who take deposits and do little or no work”.
Floridians have also told to be wary of charity scams, and to remain vigilant in the face of “people soliciting on behalf of victims of natural disasters”.
Harris condemns Trump for politicizing Hurricane Milton and Helene
Friday 11 October 2024 11:19
James Liddell
Vice President Kamala Harris decried Donald Trump’s attacks about the Biden Adminstration’s response efforts to Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene.
The Democratic presidential nominee made a campaign stop at Univision, Las Vegas, on Thursday for a town hall where she said that major natural disasters should not be politicized.
“In this crisis — like in so many issues that affect the people of our country — I think it so important that leadership recognizes the dignity” to which people are entitled, she said after being probed by a Tampa, Florida, voter.
“I have to stress that this is not a time for people to play politics.”
It comes after the former president repeatedly attacked the vice president and President Joe Biden for the federal government’s response to Hurricane Milton, which slammed into Florida’s west coast on Wednesday night, leaving a path of destruction and taking at least 14 lives.
“This administration has not done a proper job at all. Terrible, terrible,” Trump said while on the campaign trail this week.
Wind and storm surge warnings for Milton discontinued – but ‘hazards remain’
Friday 11 October 2024 10:20
James Liddell
Continue to use caution since deadly hazards remain,
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2024
including downed power lines and flooded areas.
exhaustion. pic.twitter.com/hacw8ZCIDg
Tampa family keeps cat safe after Milton
Friday 11 October 2024 23:36
Julia Musto
An update on the kitty who I nicknamed #Milton, after finding it in the rubble here in Tampa. The family who owns this business behind me that was decimated by the storm is keeping Milton safe inside and just fed her. She’s super sweet. They’re keeping her safe! pic.twitter.com/I3sFAgKZTr
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) October 11, 2024
Classrooms begin to reopen after Milton caused mass school closures
Friday 11 October 2024 09:20
James Liddell
K-12 schools across 19 of Florida’s 67 counties are set to reopen on Friday after canceling classes as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified and raced towards the state earlier this week.
While all tropical and storm surge warnings for Milton were discontinued on Thursday evening, schools across 34 counties have elected to keep their doors closed, according to the Florida Department of Education.
The FLDOE says on its website that it will continue to work with schools “after natural disasters to ensure they have the resources necessary to resume normal operations as quickly as possible”.
Photos show sheer devastation on Treasure Island
Friday 11 October 2024 23:20
Julia Musto
Heartbreaking scenes are everywhere on Treasure Island. The damage is severe—power lines dangle in front of homes, trees have been uprooted, and several buildings have lost their roofs, leaving some barely standing. The sheer force of these storms was overwhelming.
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) October 11, 2024
(1/4) pic.twitter.com/1vKrZFTJAa
(2/4)
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) October 11, 2024
Yet, amid the devastation, there is much to be thankful for. We are deeply grateful to the residents who heeded the evacuation warnings ahead of Hurricane Milton. Seeing the destruction now, it's clear that those decisions saved lives. pic.twitter.com/APljfJGkgk
(3/4)
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) October 11, 2024
The city is mobilizing all available resources for cleanup efforts. This will be a long and challenging process, as resources are stretched thin across Florida’s west coast, where widespread damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has occurred. pic.twitter.com/GqyLaonW2p
2.5m of Florida’s homes and businesses still without power
Friday 11 October 2024 08:25
James Liddell
More than 2.5m homes and businesses in Florida have been left powerless, with those in the state’s center and the west-central region the worst impacted.
Hillsborough County sees almost 500,000 electricity customers in blackout conditions, while almost 89 percent of customers in Highlands County have been left without power.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a Thursday press briefing that tens of thousands of linemen are working to restore power across the Sunshine State.
“With the full support of the state, and the pre-staging of over 50,000 linemen, utility companies and telecommunications providers are working hard to restore power and connectivity to these communities as quickly as possible,” he said.
Walz shares message for Floridians affected by Milton, Helene
Friday 11 October 2024 23:18
Julia Musto
Florida, we'll be with you every step of the way. https://t.co/5ulKO7AhwJ
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) October 11, 2024
Climate crisis increased rainfall from Hurricane Milton, study finds
06:18
Stuti Mishra
Rainfall from Hurricane Milton was increased by 20 to 30 per cent because of the climate crisis, according to a new rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution.
Storms like Milton are now about twice as likely as they would have been without human-caused warming, the group found.
The climate crisis also made wind speeds from the hurricane approximately 10 per cent stronger.
World Weather Attribution said their findings for Milton are similar to those following Hurricane Helene.
Hotter ocean temperatures are known to supercharge hurricanes, helping them intensify. In recent years more hurricanes have been rapidly intensifying, reaching Category 5, the highest on the scale. Milton is the quickest storm on record to rapidly intensify up to Category 5 in the Gulf of Mexico.
Milton was not as destructive as expected, FEMA Administrator says
Friday 11 October 2024 07:00
Julia Musto
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said Thursday that Milton’s impact was not as destructive as feared. Criswell will tour some of the damage from tornadoes on Friday.
“We did not have the extreme impacts of the worst case scenario that we prepared for, but there’s still so many people that have been impacted by this,” she said at a press briefing in Sarasota.
25 people rescued from St. Lucie County mobile home park, sheriff says
Friday 11 October 2024 06:00
Julia Musto
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson told CNN Thursday that 25 people have been rescued from a mobile home park.
He said crews are continuing to look for others, but that conditions make it difficult.
Tampa sees more than five times the normal amount of rain
Friday 11 October 2024 05:00
Julia Musto
Hurricane Milton brought 12 inches of rainfall to Tampa.
According to WFLA, that amount is more than five times the normal amount of rain for the month of October.
Siesta Key in ‘bad shape,’ resident says
Friday 11 October 2024 04:00
Julia Musto
We walked the property after the storm. Siesta Key is in bad shape. Our entire carport was ripped apart and our neighbors house collapsed. #SiestaKey #HurricaneMilton pic.twitter.com/2OCHZZZLtM
— Chuck Finley (@Kopfjager89) October 10, 2024
Traffic reported on I-75 south as Floridians go home
Friday 11 October 2024 03:00
Julia Musto
MAJOR TRAFFIC RED ALERT: (S. Fulton Co.) I-85 SB past I-285 and the west side perimeter jams past Hwy 166, the south side perimeter jams at I-75 and I-85 south jams at Camp Creek. Hwy 29 is you alternate but you can't get there. try Old Nat'l or Hwy 85 into Riverdale. #11alive pic.twitter.com/JgzVPEh7u7
— TrafficTrackers (@11AliveTraffic) October 10, 2024
Estimated restoration times will be issued for Duke Energy customers by Friday
Friday 11 October 2024 02:00
Julia Musto
Less than 24 hours after Hurricane #Milton made landfall, Duke Energy Florida is announcing estimated times of restoration will be issued for all customers impacted by the storm on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 11. https://t.co/JrGaPIVNTk.
— Duke Energy (@DukeEnergy) October 10, 2024
Post-Hurricane Milton assessments have begun at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
Friday 11 October 2024 01:00
Julia Musto
Post-Hurricane Milton assessments have begun at @NASAKennedy! #EuropaClipper will not have an official launch date until teams are able to complete these assessments. Together with SpaceX, we are working to protect launch opportunities NET Oct 13.
— NASA's Launch Services Program (@NASA_LSP) October 10, 2024
ℹ️ https://t.co/2WeTO78uEN pic.twitter.com/8DtSkz8Iuu
ZooTampa shares images of post-Milton clean up
Friday 11 October 2024 00:25
Julia Musto
Hillsborough County rescues more than 500 people
Friday 11 October 2024 00:20
Julia Musto
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said Thursday that they had made more than 500 rescues.
More than 100 pets were also saved, according to FOX 13 Tampa.
Florida’s Health Department warns of ‘active’ insects
Friday 11 October 2024 00:15
Julia Musto
Following #HurricaneMilton, animals and insects may be more active. When you're outside, remain aware of your surroundings! pic.twitter.com/mfvFqwpfv0
— Florida Dept. of Health (@HealthyFla) October 10, 2024
DeSantis says Florida is ‘resilient’ in aftermath of Hurricane Milton
Friday 11 October 2024 00:10
Julia Musto
We toured damage in Sarasota County, including in Siesta Key where Hurricane Milton made landfall last night.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 10, 2024
With the full support of the state, and the pre-staging of over 50,000 linemen, utility companies and telecommunications providers are working hard to restore power and… pic.twitter.com/xMSi8gNveB
