Key Takeaways:
– A category 3 storm, Hurricane Milton, has hit Florida, with its devastation still to be determined.
– The recent landfall of Hurricane Milton is marked by a death toll of 14 people so far.
– Power outages from Hurricane Milton peaked at 3.4 million customers across Florida.
– Climate change is contributing to the intensity of hurricanes, evident in Milton being the strongest late-season storm on record.
Hurricane Milton Strikes Florida
Floridians are reeling under the impact of Hurricane Milton, a category 3 storm, which has resulted in a minimum of 14 fatalities so far. The storm, with 120mph sustained winds, left 3.4 million homes without power and significant damage which is yet to be fully assessed.
Aftermath Rescue Operations
In the wake of the storm, hundreds of people were rescued in Tampa amidst historic rainfall and widespread devastation. Streets were filled with debris and fallen trees and the St Petersburg baseball field of the Tampa Bay Rays team was left in shambles.
Comparative Damage Impact
Hurricane Milton’s destructive scale is still being determined. Prior to its landfall near Siesta Key, the hurricane caused heavy rainfall, triggered numerous tornadoes, and stirred up towering 28ft waves along the Gulf Coast. Though originally a category 5 storm over the Gulf of Mexico, it weakened before reaching land.
Florida’s Experience with Hurricanes
Florida has a history of dealing with deadly hurricanes. A recent category 4 storm, Hurricane Helene, wreaked havoc a few weeks ago. Interestingly, four of the seven deadliest hurricanes since 2000 have significantly impacted Florida.
Increasing Death Toll
As search and rescue operations continue across the state, the death count from Hurricane Milton stands at 14. The deadliest hurricane of this century in the US remains Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which claimed 1,392 lives mainly in Louisiana. Hurricane Helene recently caused over 228 deaths, with hundreds still reported missing.
Financial Impact of Hurricanes
Hurricanes are known to cause billions of dollars in damage. The seven most fatal hurricanes since 2000 alone, have resulted in over half a trillion dollars worth of damage. The most expensive hurricane in recent history, Hurricane Ian in 2022, caused $133 billion in damages primarily in Florida and the Carolinas.
Uninsured Losses and Home Insurance Viability
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have caused $30 billion to $47 billion and counting in flood and wind losses, with most being uninsured. With millions without power and extensive damages, concerns have been raised over the sustainability of insurance for local homes and businesses.
Power Outage Impact
Hurricane Milton led to power outages for 3.4 million customers, matching the list of hurricanes impacting electricity supplies and infrastructure. While Hurricane Irma in 2017 resulted in power outages for over 6.7 million customers across six states.
Climate Change and Hurricanes
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis alerted residents about the possibility of more hurricane activity. The Atlantic hurricane season extends through November and hurricanes typically require warm water and winds to form. Climate change is intensifying hurricane activities, as evidenced by Hurricane Milton becoming the strongest late-season storm on record since Hurricane Rita in 2005. This calls for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters going forward.