OCTOBER 10, 2024- Hurricane Milton made a devastating landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, creating widespread havoc across the region. Initially fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane reached Category 5 status before striking near Sarasota, only to weaken to a still-destructive Category 2 with sustained winds of 110 mph. The storm’s impact has been unprecedented, marking the second major hurricane to hit the region in less than two weeks.

With its powerful winds and torrential rains, Milton has left over 1 million homes and businesses without power, forcing more than 3 million residents in the Tampa Bay area to evacuate. A flash flood emergency has been declared for Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, as relentless rainfall and a storm surge as high as 13 feet have caused life-threatening conditions and catastrophic flooding. Heavy downpours have already resulted in 10 to 14 inches of rain, with more expected.

In a tragic turn, a tornado spawned by Milton tore through Fort Pierce, devastating a retirement community and leaving multiple fatalities. The search for survivors continues as local officials work to assess the full extent of the destruction. Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert received a call from President Joe Biden, who promised federal support for recovery efforts.

Adding to the confusion, the storm has caused a bizarre reverse storm surge in Tampa Bay, with water levels rapidly dropping as strong winds pushed water out of the bay. This temporary phenomenon could reverse at any moment, leading to dangerous flooding conditions.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with more than 125 houses destroyed and hundreds more damaged across central and western Florida. Evacuation centers, such as one at a high school in Orlando, have been filled with displaced families, many seeking refuge with pets and belongings in tow.

Florida’s residents are urged to remain cautious as Hurricane Milton’s impacts continue to unfold. With ongoing tornado warnings and dangerous wind conditions in the area, officials stress the importance of staying alert and adhering to emergency advisories.