As Hurricane Milton continues to wreak havoc across Florida, meteorologists are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory and its devastating impact on communities from Tampa to Orlando.
With winds still howling and torrential rain falling, the situation remains dire for many residents.
Chad Myers, a meteorologist, updated viewers on the storm’s progression, indicating that the most intense part of the hurricane has shifted toward Orlando and Kissimmee.
While some areas, like Bradenton, are experiencing the calmer backside of the storm, the effects are far from over.
The wind patterns have drastically changed, causing significant storm surges in regions like Tampa Bay, where the water is expected to rise between two to four feet.
The rainfall has been catastrophic, with some areas reporting staggering totals.
In St. Petersburg, residents have faced an astonishing 16 inches of rain, with eight inches falling in just two hours.
This relentless downpour has led to severe flooding, particularly in Lakeland and areas further inland, where drainage systems are overwhelmed.
As the storm progresses, Anderson Cooper, reporting live from Bradenton, described the alarming conditions he witnessed.
The water levels had risen above his knees, prompting him to move to higher ground.
The intensity of the wind and rain left him in awe, showcasing the storm’s ferocity as it continued to batter the region.
In St. Petersburg, Bill Weir reported on the collapse of a tower crane due to the high winds.
This incident underscores the dangers posed by the storm, as debris fell onto buildings below, creating additional hazards for first responders.
Meanwhile, the iconic Tropicana Field suffered extensive damage, with a large section of its roof ripped away, leaving the venue in disarray.
Tampa is also feeling the storm’s wrath, with Brian Todd reporting on the dangerous conditions downtown.
Power outages have surged, with approximately 22 million Floridians already without electricity.
The storm’s impact has led to a reverse storm surge in Tampa Bay, where the water was pushed out to sea, creating a surreal scene reminiscent of a dry riverbed.
The situation has escalated further with reports of tornadoes touching down across the state.
In St. Lucie County, Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple tornadoes had caused devastation, particularly in a retirement community where lives were tragically lost.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency crews working tirelessly to locate and assist those trapped in the wreckage.
In Orlando, Victor Blackwell noted that the storm’s intensity is now affecting the area, with sustained winds reaching up to 74 miles per hour.
Local officials are bracing for significant flooding, reminiscent of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022.
As the rain continues to pour, emergency services have pulled back from the roads due to unsafe conditions.
Fort Myers is also grappling with the aftermath of the storm.
Mayor Kevin Anderson reported rising water levels along the river, estimating about three feet of flooding in certain areas.
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, local businesses have prepared better than in previous hurricanes, which may help mitigate some of the damage.
Meteorologist Chad Myers emphasized that even as Hurricane Milton weakens to a Category 1 storm, it still maintains powerful gusts and heavy rainfall.
The storm is expected to continue impacting Florida as it moves toward the east coast, bringing with it the threat of additional flooding and wind damage.
As residents across Florida brace for the ongoing effects of Hurricane Milton, the focus remains on safety and recovery efforts.
With the storm continuing to unfold, the full extent of the damage may not be realized until daylight reveals the devastation left in its wake.
