In the beginning of October, Florida was struck with a category three hurricane called Milton. This hurricane has caused mass destruction to many cities near the Tampa Bay area.
On October 10th, the eye of Milton touched down in Tampa Bay at nine pm. While the hurricane was brewing it was a category five hurricane but fortunately once it touched down it calmed down into a category three hurricane. Although Milton decreased in size it still brought forth mass destruction.
“So if you’re in it, basically that’s the coffin that you’re in,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Hurricane Milton created very strong winds that reached up to 120 miles per hour. Due to these winds, lots of trees and other debris were tossed around the air damaging people’s homes. The coast is now covered in many different types of debris.
“Total cost from property damage and economic loss caused could exceed $160 billion, according to an estimate from AccuWeather, which considers impacts such as long-term health care costs to survivors and disruption to business and industries,” USA Today said.
During the storm, Florida experienced massive amounts of rainfall. Due to all the rain, there were storm surges up to 10 feet high. This is enough rain to cover the first floor of a building and cars. Many power lines were also affected by the rain and over 1.3 million people were without power for many days.
“It was like a little tsunami just came flooding in, and that’s where all this damage is from,” said Sharon Austin from NPR news.
As of now there have been 14 reported deaths caused by the storm. Many counties were put under a mandatory evacuation, due to the extreme risk of death. The law enforcement were encouraging people to write on their bodies with a permanent marker their birthdate, social security, and their full names. This was going to be a way that they could identify their bodies if needed.
“If you choose to stay, find yourself a permanent marker. Write your name, your date of birth, and your next of kin on your arm, so we know who you are and who to contact,”said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell from The Telegraph.
Florida is still recovering from the strong impact that Hurricane Milton left. There are many ways to help out, by sending clothing, food, water, and other necessities through Convoy of Hope and The American Red Cross associations.
