As Hurricane Milton unleashed its fury on Florida, the state braced itself for a storm that would go down in history. With devastating tornadoes, torrential rains, and severe flooding, the storm has not only wreaked havoc on homes and infrastructure but also disrupted everyday life for millions. The impact of Hurricane Milton is felt across the region, forcing residents and officials alike to confront the challenges of one of the most powerful storms to hit Florida in over a century.
Hurricane Milton Causes Power Outages And Water Crises In Florida
St. Petersburg has declared a drinking water emergency due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The city had to shut down its water supply system, which will remain offline until repairs are safely completed. Residents have been advised to boil water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene until further notice, as officials work to address the situation.
Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key, initially struck as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of 120 mph (193 km/h), according to BBC. It later weakened to a Category 1 storm but continues to pose serious threats with heavy rains, tornadoes, and significant flooding. As of the latest reports, over 2.6 million homes and businesses across Florida are without power, and outages have also affected parts of North Carolina and Georgia.
In St. Petersburg, parts of the roof of the Tropicana Field, a 42,000-capacity stadium, were torn off. The stadium was temporarily used as a shelter for first responders, but fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
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Emergency Evacuations And Closures
Hurricane Milton has led to the closure of multiple airports in Florida. Tampa International Airport announced a halt to all flights and confirmed it is not a shelter for travellers. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport closed after the last flight left on Tuesday, citing its location in a mandatory evacuation zone. Orlando International Airport, the seventh busiest in the U.S., is expected to cease operations as well, causing disruptions for travellers.
Major theme parks in the Orlando area are closing in anticipation of the storm. Walt Disney World began shutting down attractions in phases on Wednesday, with its resorts likely remaining closed on Thursday, according to CBS News. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld also announced closures on Wednesday and Thursday, including their water parks and campgrounds. Busch Gardens Tampa had already closed prior to the storm’s arrival.
As Hurricane Milton moves through the Gulf of Mexico, ports along Florida’s west coast are also affected. The severe weather conditions and safety precautions are expected to halt shipping and cargo activities, disrupting supply chains and logistics.
Governor Ron DeSantis has emphasised the need for preparation as Milton continues its path through Florida. CBS news reported that authorities have issued evacuation orders for vulnerable areas, particularly those near Tampa Bay, where storm surges of 10 to 15 feet are predicted. As a precaution, residents in affected areas have been urged to shelter in place and take all necessary safety measures.
Hurricane Milton has resulted in widespread destruction and disruption across Florida, affecting water supply, power, transportation, and tourism. As recovery efforts begin, officials are focused on restoring essential services and ensuring the safety of residents.
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