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(TJV) Hurricane Milton swept across Florida, unleashing tornadoes, killing at least 10 people, and leaving millions without power before moving into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday, according to Reuters.
While the storm caused significant destruction, it did not bring the feared catastrophic storm surge.
πΊπΈπ- At least 125 homes were destroyed in Sarasota County.
Power lines were cut leaving around 2 million people in the Tampa Bay area without electricity. Water supply is also uncertain.
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TELEGRAMβ¦ pic.twitter.com/q7PbIOEUidβ The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) October 10, 2024
Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged the state had averted the “worst-case scenario,” but stressed the severe damage, particularly from tornadoes. The Tampa Bay region largely avoided the surge that prompted warnings earlier. Reuters reported that U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed 10 deaths from Milton, attributing many to tornado-related incidents.
This image is from St Pete, Florida!
Brings tears to your eyes #miltonhurricane #MiltonFlorida #Milton2024 #MILTON #Hurricane #HurricaneHelene #hurricanemilton2024 #HurricaneMilton #Florida #Tornado #TampaBay #FortMyers #Sarasota #WaterSurge #Floridaman #FEMA #DeSantis pic.twitter.com/XScDbcHpJ2
β UNITY FRONTLINE (@UnityFrontLine) October 10, 2024
Gov. DeSantis: “We run the show. FEMA’s not running the show. We will utilize them to support some of the things we’re doing, but you are not going to see FEMA running amok in Florida… I’m the sheriff that’s in charge here, and we will make sure to protect you.”
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Follow theβ¦ pic.twitter.com/MxtywtLsH0β The Jewish Voice (@TJVNEWS) October 10, 2024
Among the hardest-hit was St. Lucie County on the east coast, where a series of tornadoes killed five people, including two residents of the Spanish Lakes Communities. Emergency teams continue to search affected areas, including a mobile-home park, per Reuters. The National Weather Service confirmed 19 tornadoes as of Wednesday evening, with reports of 45 across central and eastern Florida throughout the day.
Your prayers for Florida are very important. May everyone find safety and support during this time of crisis. Wishing strength and courage to the people of Milton and all of Florida please take care of yourself and family.#Milton #Florida #HurricanMilton #MiltonFlorida⦠pic.twitter.com/aNTCFBu3gj
β Raushan kumar (@kumar880268) October 10, 2024
Horrific.
This is what a 15 foot hurricane storm surge looks like.
This is what the #ClimateCrisis looks like.
And unless we end Fossil Fuels, it’s going to get a whole lot worse.#MiltonFlorida
πpic.twitter.com/av5GZwKLRnβ Greenpeace Aotearoa (@GreenpeaceNZ) October 10, 2024
Hurricane Milton went from a CAT 5 to a CAT 1. That is God! It could have been so much worse, friends, but keep in mind many Floridians still lost so much including their homes.
Continue praying for our friends in Florida ππ½ pic.twitter.com/hzl3HheSXD
β David J Harris Jr (@DavidJHarrisJr) October 10, 2024
More than 3 million homes and businesses remained without power Thursday morning, according to PowerOutage.us, some still waiting for restoration after Hurricane Helene struck just two weeks prior. In the Tampa area, wind damage was evident, with trees downed, roads blocked by debris, and power lines damaged, as seen in footage shared by local news outlets. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor noted that damage assessments were ongoing.
π¨JUST IN: Ron DeSantis shut down CNBC host that accused him of politicizing Hurricane Milton!
THIS is how you handle the Fake News!
DeSantis: βI didn’t even know she was trying to reach me, but she has no role in this processβ¦ and I’ve been dealing with these storms inβ¦ pic.twitter.com/uHoaJYnmIN
β Gunther Eaglemanβ’ (@GuntherEagleman) October 10, 2024
Reuters detailed how Milton ripped apart the fabric roof of Tropicana Field, the stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and the ballpark served as a hub for emergency responders.
Some residents shared their experiences with Reuters, like Steven Cole Smith, a Tampa resident who rode out the storm, preparing supplies for days in advance. Ken Wood, a ferryboat operator from Pinellas County, evacuated his home with his cat after a rough experience during Hurricane Helene, sheltering in a hotel during Milton.
Roof is gone at Tropicana Field #milton #rays
Video by: Nick Friedman@mysuncoast @WESH pic.twitter.com/VME6Um351J
β Nick Burch (@PageWebber) October 10, 2024
Emergency responders worked through the night to address calls for assistance, with dozens rescued from dangerous situations, including a family trapped when a tree fell on their home, Reuters reported. St. Petersburg saw a construction crane crash onto a street due to the high winds.
Devastated Hurricane #Milton is destroying in #Florida . More than two million people were left without electricity.
Alligators intrude into residence of Florida.π°#miltonhurricane #MiltonFlorida pic.twitter.com/VvyYLROyNq
β AaryaAπ (@pinkmink2024) October 10, 2024
Though Milton weakened as it traveled inland, concerns remain over river flooding after heavy rainfall. Federal Emergency Management Agency head Deanne Criswell emphasized the importance of evacuation orders, which she believes saved lives, citing over 90,000 residents who sought refuge in shelters.
President Joe Biden postponed a trip to oversee the response to Milton, pledging full federal support to the state. The hurricane initially struck Floridaβs west coast as a Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 120 mph, but weakened as it crossed the peninsula, Reuters reported. By Thursday morning, the storm had downgraded to a Category 1 as it moved away from Florida’s Atlantic coast.
#USA #HurricaneMilton
Bayshore Boulevard in #Tampaflooded – this is not storm surge . #MiltonFlorida
It is given the highest category 5 – winds blowing at 180 mph (289 km) with strong gusts. It is expected to hit Florida.ππ’ pic.twitter.com/eSG2R5g3Laβ Davina Deva (DD) (@MissDD114) October 10, 2024
Florida man (Lt. Dan) whoβs staying on a boat during the Hurricane is somehow still alive.#MiltonFlorida #Milton #HuracanMilton #HurricaneMilton #Florida pic.twitter.com/nsiN9IDKQd
β Trendy X (@mubeench78653) October 10, 2024
Florida is now grappling with the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes, with billions in damages expected from Milton and Helene. The stateβs major airports, including those in Tampa and Palm Beach, remain closed except for emergency operations, according to the FAA.