*As predicted, Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc across Florida, leading to the tragic loss of at least 10 lives due to severe tornadoes that formed as a result of the storm.
During a press briefing at the White House, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed the fatalities and cautioned that the situation remains fluid and may evolve as search and rescue operations continue.
Milton, which made landfall late Wednesday as a terrifying Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, quickly unleashed destruction across the state.
“We have 10 confirmed fatalities, our understanding is that those fatalities were caused by the tornadoes,” Mayorkas said. “But I just want to introduce a little bit of tentativeness to that because of the fluidity of the situation and how nascent it is. It is our job to make sure that that number doesn’t climb through valiant search and rescue efforts, but we are dealing in the immediate aftermath of a terrible hurricane and many, many tornadoes ancillary to it.”
Widespread Power Outages and Structural Damage
The aftermath of Hurricane Milton has left more than 3 million homes and businesses without power, creating significant challenges for recovery in the affected areas. The storm’s brutal winds even caused the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, to be ripped off, highlighting the extensive damage inflicted by Milton.
As of Thursday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Milton had been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, now packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour as it continues to move northeast off Florida’s coast. Despite the downgrade, meteorologists warn of life-threatening storm surges from east-central Florida to southern Georgia, emphasizing the need for ongoing caution in these areas.
Meteorological Updates and Risks Ahead
The NHC’s 2 p.m. ET advisory confirmed that Milton is transitioning into a post-tropical cyclone, moving away from Florida’s east coast but still posing risks along the Southeastern U.S. coastline. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect, and the potential for storm surge threatens areas from the Flagler-Volusia County line in Florida to Altamaha Sound, Georgia, including the St. Johns River.
Meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely as Milton’s remnants could still produce heavy rainfall and hazardous conditions. Authorities are prepared for more challenges ahead as they assist communities grappling with the storm’s aftermath.
Community Resilience and Recovery Efforts
As Florida begins the daunting task of recovery, communities are coming together to support those impacted by Hurricane Milton. Local and federal agencies are coordinating efforts to restore power, assist with rescue operations, and provide aid to affected residents. The commitment to rebuilding and recovery will be vital as the state faces the long-term impact of this devastating event.
Residents are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates, adhere to safety advice, and continue to support each other as communities work to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Milton’s destruction.
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