On October 10, 2024, water begins to recede from flooded roads in Tampa, Florida, as a result of Hurricane Milton.
Brian R. Smith | AFP | Getty Images
Restoring power, clearing debris, and distributing fuel are now top priorities in the chaotic state of Florida. hurricane milton. More than 1.5 million people are without power and at least 17 people are confirmed dead as restoration efforts continue into the weekend.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Saturday that efforts are still underway to assist residents and provide resources to hard-hit areas of the state. Parts of western and central Florida continue to face the risk of major flooding from rising streams and rivers.
DeSantis said the state is working to address fuel needs in hard-hit areas. He said free fueling locations have opened in Plant City, Bradenton and St. Petersburg, and officials are opening more in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
All major highways and bridges in the Tampa Bay area have reopened. Airports in southwest Florida have also resumed normal operations, with the exception of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. DeSantis announced plans to reopen Wednesday.
DeSantis said the Tampa Bay region was spared the worst-case scenario forecasters had expected of a storm surge of up to 15 feet, but strong winds caused significant damage and heavy rains caused severe flooding in urban areas and inland areas. He said he did.
“We didn’t get the high waves that everyone had feared in Tampa Bay, but what we ended up seeing was a lot of water on the north side of the storm,” he said. “Of course, with the wind blowing, there was massive flooding inland, and the water levels continued to rise even after the storm passed.”
Friday, emergency responders in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tristan Wheelock/Bloomberg – Getty Images
River levels are expected to continue rising next week, with flooding remaining possible in parts of the state.
Major hurricanes like Milton can dump large amounts of rain over land and swell rivers, lakes, and streams for days or even weeks after the storm makes landfall.
Milton precipitation totals for the Tampa Bay area reached 18.31 inches in St. Petersburg, 14.01 inches in Clearwater Beach, 11.43 inches in Tampa and 10.12 inches in Seminole.
Several waterways in the Tampa area reached it, including the Anclote River, Hillsboro River, Withlacoochee River, Cypress Creek, and Alafia River. Saturday’s deluge stage, According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA has established four categories to communicate to the public the risks posed by rising water in a particular location. During the “major” flood stage, authorities can expect “widespread flooding of structures and roads,” potentially requiring people to be evacuated and property relocated to higher ground.
The Alafia River crested at 24.34 feet Friday and has begun to gradually recede, but NOAA forecasts say it will remain in major to moderate flood stage through early next week.
of Hillsboro River near Zephyrhills Water peaked at 17.14 feet early Friday, the highest flood level on record. Hillsborough County officials issued multiple flood warnings Friday, saying rising water levels in several rivers were “creating dangerous conditions for residents.”
A person walks along a road flooded by the swollen Anclote River in New Port Richey, Florida, on Friday. Spencer Pratt/Getty Images
pasco county officials Said this on Friday’s X It said areas near rivers and lakes were experiencing “historic flooding” and urged people to leave immediately and seek higher ground.
The water level is Expected to continue rising in the coming daysOfficials say low-lying areas of the county are at significant risk of flooding.
Parts of central Florida are also at increased risk of flooding due to high water levels in the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers.
