11 Oct 2024 | 04:55 AM UTC
US: Disruptions ongoing across Florida as of late Oct. 10 following the passage of Hurricane Milton
Disruptions ongoing in Florida, US as of late Oct. 10 after the passage of Hurricane Milton; multiple casualties confirmed.
Major disruptions continue across parts of Florida as of late Oct. 10 following the passage of Hurricane Milton. The storm system made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key in Sarasota County around 20:30 EDT Oct. 9. It subsequently weakened into a Category 1 hurricane as it tracked across the Florida Peninsula late Oct. 9-early Oct. 10. Intense winds and storm surge caused severe damage in central Florida as the storm crossed the coast, and strong winds, tornadoes, and persistent rainfall continued to cause flooding and damage as the system moved inland. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 35 counties late Oct. 5 ahead of Milton's approach and expanded the order to include 16 more counties Oct. 6. President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Florida.
Heavy rainfall, storm surge, strong winds, and tornadoes have caused widespread flooding, damage, and casualties as the storm passed over Florida. At least 38 tornadoes have been confirmed to have spawned, and some areas have received as much as 46 cm (18 inches) of rainfall. Authorities have confirmed 16 fatalities across Florida, including six fatalities after tornadoes struck a mobile home park in Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County and four other fatalities in Volusia County during the storm.
Many roads are blocked by flooding and debris, and the Little Ringling Bridge, which connects Lido Key and Longboat Key to Sarasota, sustained damage from the storm. Tropicana Field, a Major League Baseball stadium in St. Petersburg, is one of many buildings to have suffered damage. I-4, I-75, I-95, and Alligator Alley are cleared and open for travel; the traffic along I-75 is heavy due to residents returning home. More than 100 traffic signals are down in St. Petersburg, and 30 water lines are under repair—around 1,000 homes in Trailer Estates Park and Recreation District in Bradenton. Emergency services have rescued dozens of people affected by flooding and storm damage.
Tampa International (TPA), Peter O. Knight (TPF), Tampa Executive (VDF), Plant City (PCM), St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE), Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ), Orlando Executive (ORL), Orlando International (MCO), Orlando Sanford International (SFB), Daytona Beach International (DAB), Lakeland Linder International (LAL), Southwest Florida International (RSW), Melbourne Orlando International (MLB), Punta Gorda (PGD), and Palm Beach International (PIB) airports closed during the passing of the storm. Orlando International Airport (MCO) began receiving a limited number of domestic flights the evening of Oct. 10, while Tampa International (TPA) and Southwest Florida International (RSW) airports are scheduled to resume operations early Oct. 11. Residual flight disruptions are likely in affected regions over the coming days. Ports of Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, JAXPORT, Fernandina, Tampa Bay, SeaPort Manatee, and Canaveral await Coast Guard Channel surveys to reopen. Some damage has been reported at Port Tampa Bay. Amtrak Silver Service trains 92 and 98 originate from Jacksonville, and trains 91 and 97 will terminate in Jacksonville Oct. 11. The Auto Train Service trains 52 and 53, connecting Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, remains canceled Oct. 11. Tri-Rail and full Brightline services are scheduled to resume Oct. 11. SunRail services remain suspended until at least Oct. 14.
Damage assessments are ongoing as of late Oct. 10, and it may take some time for the full extent of the storm's impact to be confirmed. As of late Oct. 10, more than 2.6 million customers across Florida remain without power. Telecommunication, mobile network, and water supply outages have also been reported in some affected areas.
Protracted transport and business disruptions are likely as emergency crews work on recovery efforts; lingering utility disruptions are almost certain over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.
Exercise caution if operating in storm-affected locations. Plan accordingly for possible supply chain disruptions. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
Due to the potential for flooding, use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
