Hurricane Milton don hit Florida with fierce winds and heavy rains, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss of life. The storm, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico, rapidly intensified into one of the most powerful hurricanes the region has seen, with wind speeds jumping from 97 km/h to 290 km/h in just four days.
The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing with it unexpected and powerful tornadoes that caused significant damage. In Fort Pierce, a tornado hit a retirement facility, resulting in the deaths of at least five people. Experts say these tornadoes were more intense and lasted longer than typical tornadoes associated with hurricanes.
Despite the feared storm surge not materializing due to the storm shifting slightly south, the impact was still severe. Over three million residents were left without power, and property damage could amount to $50 billion. President Joe Biden emphasized the need to reinforce the U.S. energy infrastructure in light of the damage from both Hurricane Milton and the previous Hurricane Helene.
Climate change is believed to have played a significant role in the storm’s intensity. Rising ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico provided the energy for the storm to develop and intensify. Researchers suggest that human-induced climate change could have increased Milton’s rainfall by 20 to 30 percent and its winds by about 10 percent.
In the aftermath of the storm, residents are also facing the threat of scammers. Authorities are warning about fake contractors, insurance scams, and fraudulent charities targeting vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis advised residents to be cautious and verify the credentials of anyone offering repair services or claiming to be from their insurance provider.
Satellite images have revealed the extensive damage, showing flooded streets, torn homes, and ripped-down power lines. The recovery efforts are ongoing, with over 6,500 National Guard members deployed to assist in search operations and provide aid to affected areas.
