Hurricane Milton is currently shifting away from Florida into the Atlantic Ocean, but it continues to unleash hurricane-force winds and heavy rain, according to reports.
Mayor Jane Castor announced that Tampa did not experience the anticipated storm surge. She stated that this development was a significant relief, as it had been a major concern. However, the mayor cautioned that “it’s not over.” She added that with high tide approaching, rivers are expected to flood throughout Hillsborough County, affecting areas beyond just Tampa.
In Plant City, east of Tampa, city manager Bill McDaniel noted that first responders rescued 35 individuals from high water early Thursday. He described some streets as completely “impassable” and urged residents to stay indoors, warning of potentially toxic floodwaters.
McDaniel said in a Facebook update, “You don’t know what’s in that water. Our sewer stations are overwhelmed, you have gas, you have oil, you have other contaminates mixed into this water.
“It’s not healthy to get out in it so please refrain from coming out and getting into this flood water.”
In another development, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has announced that all access points to and from the county, including St. Petersburg, will remain closed until further notice due to dangerous circumstances. This closure also extends to barrier islands like Fort de Soto and Sand Key.
The local emergency management department has reported that Hurricane Milton has dumped over 18 inches of rain and produced gusts reaching 101 mph, resulting in significant damage and flooding.
Reports state that Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is set to visit Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday, to engage with state and local leaders, as well as FEMA personnel, who are working on recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, according to the department.
As of early Thursday, wind speeds have decreased to a still-dangerous 90 mph (150 kph), categorizing Milton as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm has caused catastrophic impacts across Florida, with tornadoes wreaking havoc, destroying homes, and leaving over 2 million customers without power.
Frances Ibiefo
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