As Florida begins to recover from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on October 10, 2024, the storm's impact has been devastating, with millions left without power, significant property damage, and at least 10 fatalities reported.
The hurricane, classified as a Category 3 storm, struck with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph, causing extensive damage primarily in St. Petersburg, where the roof of Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, was severely damaged. The franchise is currently assessing the situation and has requested patience from the public as they work with law enforcement to secure the area.
Despite the destruction, some areas, including parts of downtown St. Petersburg, experienced less flooding than anticipated. Local residents were relieved to find their neighborhoods largely intact, although fallen trees and power lines were common sights.
The storm's rapid intensification from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane before landfall had raised concerns about a catastrophic storm surge, particularly in densely populated areas. Fortunately, the surge was less severe than expected, and the storm's trajectory allowed for some areas to avoid significant flooding.
Hurricane Milton is the second hurricane to hit Florida in just a few weeks, following Hurricane Helene. As recovery efforts begin, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as assessments of the damage continue.
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters, New York Post (October 11, 2024).