Meteorologists have issued grave warnings about the destructive potential of the latest hurricane to hit the U.S., with one even appearing visibly emotional as he reported on the storm’s immense size. Initially classified as a category five hurricane, the storm, named Milton, made landfall near Siesta Key on Florida’s central west coast on Wednesday, October 9, as a “dangerous” category three. It has since been downgraded to a category one, but not before leaving a significant trail of damage.
Punta Gorda, Florida
The southwestern city of Punta Gorda experienced severe flooding as Hurricane Milton pushed several feet of water into the streets. Residents like Dorothy Thompson did their best to brace for the floodwaters. She told Wink News, “We’ve put up everything we can. I’ve got garbage bags on important things… We’re going to a hotel, and most of it’s in water bags and Ziploc bags. I put everything I could on top of the bed and couch, took drawers out, and just hoped for the best.” After the storm passed, the Punta Gorda Police Department began assessing the damage and checking road conditions, responding to calls as they were able.
Clearwater
In Clearwater, rescue workers were on high alert during the storm, with police officers rescuing residents trapped in an apartment complex. Mayor Bruce Rector told ABC that the city was fortunate to avoid the predicted storm surge but noted, “We had such heavy rain and wind that it put folks … in jeopardy.”
Siesta Key
Siesta Key, where the hurricane made landfall, experienced seven to eight feet of flooding due to the storm surge, according to Sandra Tapfumaneyi, chief of emergency management for Sarasota County Emergency Services. Power outages were widespread, with over 70 percent of customers in nearby counties losing electricity.
St. Petersburg
In St. Petersburg, photos revealed a crane collapse that left a large hole in an office building, which housed multiple businesses, including the Tampa Bay Times. The crane was being used to construct a luxury condominium by the Red Apple Group. CEO John Catsimatidis stated that he was working with city officials to “assess the situation.”
Fort Myers
Located about 80 miles south of Milton’s landfall, Fort Myers experienced flooding and a suspected tornado ahead of the hurricane’s arrival. CBS News reported that several homes had their roofs torn off by the tornado. As of now, at least nine fatalities have been confirmed, with the full scope of Hurricane Milton’s impact still unfolding.