Hurricane Milton, while less severe than initially feared, has left a trail of destruction across Florida after making landfall Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm. Although the storm surge was not as high as anticipated, the hurricane brought damaging winds, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall, causing widespread power outages and flooding.
As of Thursday morning, over 3.34 million utility customers were without power. While there were reports of fatalities, the state has yet to confirm any deaths. Emergency crews are focused on restoring services, clearing debris, and conducting search and rescue operations.
Read: Caution Urged On Pinellas County Roads: Numerous Traffic Signals Out After Hurricane Milton
A major concern now is the risk of flash and urban flooding, particularly inland along rivers like the Hillsborough, Little Wekiva, and St. Johns. The St. Johns River basin is expected to experience significant flooding due to the heavy rainfall, with floodwaters potentially lingering for weeks.
Governor DeSantis acknowledged the significant impact of the storm but highlighted that it was not the worst-case scenario. The storm weakened before landfall, and the storm surge, while still dangerous, was less severe than that of Hurricane Helene, which impacted the state just weeks ago.
Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie emphasized the ongoing threat of flooding and urged residents to remain vigilant. Crews are responding to water main breaks and evacuating a hospital in the St. Petersburg region.
Read :St. Petersburg Issues Citywide Boil Water Notice Following Hurricane Milton
The National Hurricane Center warns of continued rainfall and the risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge and tides. Recovery efforts are underway, but the focus remains on ensuring public safety and addressing the widespread flooding.
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