Oct 11, V7N- Hurricane Milton, after ravaging Florida with tornados and strong winds, continued into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday. The storm claimed at least 10 lives and caused widespread power outages, affecting over 3.2 million homes and businesses. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged that although the worst-case scenario was avoided, significant damage and flooding remain critical concerns.

Milton hit Florida's west coast as a Category 3 hurricane, producing top winds of 120 mph (205 kph). One of the primary concerns was the potential for a catastrophic storm surge, particularly in the Tampa Bay area, but the surge was less severe than anticipated. However, barrier islands south of the city faced extensive flooding.

The tornados spawned by Milton were particularly destructive, causing most of the casualties. In St. Lucie County, five people died, including two in a senior-living community, while at least 27 tornados touched down across the state. Structures such as Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, sustained damage, with a portion of its fabric roof torn off, though no injuries were reported.

Recovery efforts are underway, but authorities remain on alert for potential river flooding following up to 18 inches of rain in some areas. Federal and state emergency teams are assessing the damage, while President Joe Biden has called for Congress to return and address disaster relief funding needs in the wake of the storm.

Residents across Florida are now dealing with the aftermath of the storm, as some, like Steven Cole Smith in Tampa, managed to ride out the storm despite evacuation orders, while others, like Ken Wood, evacuated their homes, uncertain of the conditions they will return to.

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