10/10/2024
Hurricane Milton Slams Florida’s West Coast with Devastating Winds and Rain
Florida’s west coast is facing the brunt of Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm bringing dangerous winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes. As of Wednesday evening, Milton was located 20 miles west of Sarasota, moving northeast with winds of 120 mph. The National Weather Service issued over 130 tornado warnings, with seven tornadoes confirmed. Emergency services in several counties, including Pasco, have been suspended due to hazardous conditions. Officials warn residents to stay sheltered as Milton’s path remains unpredictable, with the Tampa Bay region under severe threat.
Tornado Threat and Emergency Suspensions Tornadoes continue to lash the area, and Pasco County has joined others in halting emergency response services until conditions stabilize. The county issued an alert stating, “Now is the time to remain sheltered where you are.” First responders will only assist once it is safe.
Milton’s Strength and Path Hurricane Milton underwent rapid intensification, reaching a rare Category 5 status before slightly weakening to Category 3. Its wind speeds reached 180 mph at peak intensity, setting a record for one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Gulf of Mexico. Although Milton encountered high-level crosswinds, which reduced its strength, its northern eyewall has begun impacting the Tampa region with extreme hurricane-force winds.
Pregnant Resident Faces Difficult Choices Sarasota resident Jackie Curnick, who is eight months pregnant, made the challenging decision to stay and shelter in place with her family. Unable to find affordable hotel rooms and uncertain about safe evacuation routes, Curnick and her husband decided that staying home was the best option, given the unpredictable nature of evacuations in Florida.
