Hurricane Milton has made a powerful landfall in Florida, unleashing extreme winds and severe storm surges that are already devastating parts of the state. The storm first hit Sarasota, with nearby cities like Venice, Bradenton, and the Tampa Bay area also experiencing its destructive force. Flooded streets, relentless winds, and rising waters are creating a perilous situation for residents in the storm’s path.
Unfortunately, not everyone managed to evacuate, leaving some residents behind to face a grim reality. Florida’s Attorney General and Holmes Beach Police Chief have issued a chilling advisory: those remaining should mark their names on their bodies with permanent ink for identification purposes. Here’s a closer look at the latest developments.
Current Status of Hurricane Milton’s Landfall
As Hurricane Milton advances inland, it leaves a swath of destruction in its wake. Cities in its path, including Tampa Bay, Venice, and other coastal areas, have already been hit hard. The storm has caused widespread power outages and significant flooding, with the situation expected to worsen as Milton continues to churn across the state.
Extreme Winds and Storm Surges in Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay and the surrounding cities are already enduring the storm’s full wrath. Winds exceeding 100 miles per hour are tossing vehicles and debris through the streets. CNN reporter Boris Sanchez, broadcasting from Tampa, described the scene as terrifying, with trees groaning under the wind’s force and flashes of blue and green from blowing transformers lighting up the sky. In some areas, such as Bradenton, floodwaters have reached the axles of cars, signaling the severe impact of the storm surge.
In Venice, located just 18 miles from where Milton made landfall in Sarasota, streets are inundated as water from the Gulf of Mexico is being pushed onto the land. According to meteorologist Chad Myers, although Venice has only received about two inches of rain, the powerful winds are driving the sea inland, causing significant flooding.
Wildly Fluctuating Water Levels in Tampa Bay
Water levels in Tampa Bay are fluctuating dramatically as Hurricane Milton moves inland. In the northern part of the bay, water is being pushed offshore, with levels falling nearly five feet below normal. Meanwhile, southern areas like Port Manatee have seen water levels surge more than two feet in just 90 minutes. These extreme changes are caused by shifts in wind direction as the hurricane progresses, making the situation highly unpredictable.
Residents Mark Their Names for Identification
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a stark warning to those who chose not to evacuate. She urged residents to write their names on their arms with permanent markers, in case they do not survive the storm, to assist with identification. Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer echoed this advice, telling those who remained that they would be on their own.
Why Some Residents Chose to Stay
Despite the severity of the storm, some residents opted to stay behind for various reasons. Some feared that their homes might be looted if they left, while others believed the storm might not be as severe as predicted. Others had no means to evacuate, lacked places to go, or were unwilling to leave their pets behind. Similar warnings were issued in past storms, but many residents still chose to remain, hoping to weather the storm at home.
Staying, however, carries grave risks. Residents who refuse to evacuate may face drowning, power outages, and being stranded without help. Emergency services are often suspended during life-threatening conditions, leaving those who stayed behind to fend for themselves.
The Eye of the Storm: Unpredictable and Dangerous
Hurricane Milton is proving to be especially dangerous due to its unusual structure. With more than one eyewall, the storm is capable of bringing sustained dangerous conditions long after the main eye has passed. CNN meteorologist Chad Myers explained that even after the main eye moves on, the outer bands will continue to unleash strong winds and heavy rain for hours. This makes the storm’s impact unpredictable, and residents of Tampa Bay and beyond must remain vigilant.
Top 10 Essentials To Survive a Hurricane
Hurricane Milton has already caused catastrophic damage across Florida, and the threat is far from over. With dangerous winds, storm surges, and flooding affecting many parts of the state, those who remain are in extreme danger. The advice for residents to mark their bodies for identification illustrates the seriousness of the situation. As the storm moves further inland, authorities are urging everyone to stay safe and follow evacuation orders to avoid further tragedy.
