Powerful Landfall and Destructive Impacts
Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida’s west coast on Wednesday night as an extremely dangerous Category 3 storm, bringing a “life-threatening” surge and catastrophic winds that left more than 2 million people without power and areas inundated with water.
The storm made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County around 8:30 p.m., with winds reaching up to 120 mph.
Extensive Damage and Power Outages
The storm’s impact was felt across much of Florida, with water levels rising more than 8 feet in nearby Sarasota and storm surges up to 5 feet recorded from Naples to Charlotte Harbor.
By early Thursday, the superstorm had been downgraded to a Category 1, but its effects continued to be felt as it made its way across the state.
More than 2.2 million people were without power, and several deadly tornadoes ripped through the region, causing significant damage.
Threat of Historic Storm Surge
The storm’s landfall just south of Tampa Bay was considered fortunate, as a direct hit on the heart of the bay could have resulted in one of the most dangerous storm surges in U.S. history.
The shallow waters offshore and the bay’s shape and opening can cause waves to pile up as they push towards land, leaving hundreds of thousands of homes dangerously submerged.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings
Over 3 million people who live around Tampa Bay were ordered to evacuate ahead of the storm, with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor cautioning, “If you choose to stay … you are going to die.”
The storm made history as it charged towards Florida, peaking as the second strongest Gulf hurricane in history just a day after forming off the Yucatan Peninsula.
Ongoing Impacts and Cleanup Efforts
The storm’s effects are expected to continue to be felt across the central Florida peninsula throughout Thursday before it exits into the Atlantic Ocean.
Search and rescue teams have been working to assist those affected, and the region now faces the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this catastrophic event.
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