Weather
Hurricane Milton Wreaks Havoc Across Florida, Over 2.6 million customers without power
Hurricane Milton has caused widespread damage and disruption across the state of Florida.
The powerful storm has brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and tornadoes, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
Key Impacts:
- Construction Crane Collapse: A construction crane collapsed onto the Tampa Bay Times building in St. Petersburg, causing significant damage.
- Roof Damage: The roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was completely ripped off by the hurricane’s winds.
- Power Outages: Over 2.6 million customers are without power in Florida due to the storm.
- Tornado Damage: A tornado struck Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in Fort Pierce, resulting in multiple fatalities.
- Structural Damage: Numerous buildings have been damaged, including the mayor’s residence in Cocoa Beach.
- Debris and Flooding: Strong winds have caused debris to fly through the air, and flooding has occurred in many areas.
Government Response:
- Federal Assistance: President Joe Biden has approved emergency declarations for Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, providing federal resources to support recovery efforts.
- FEMA Presence: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell is on the ground in Florida, coordinating with local and state officials and providing updates on the situation.
Safety Concerns:
- Receding Water: Authorities are urging residents to avoid walking out into receding water in Tampa Bay, as storm surge can pose a serious threat.
- Powerline Explosions: A powerline exploded on a home in Venice, causing sparks to rain down.
The situation remains fluid, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
DENVER, CO — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver has issued a Tornado Warning for southwestern Logan County and north-central Washington County in northeastern Colorado, effective until 5:45 p.m. MDT Friday.
At 5:11 p.m., weather spotters confirmed a tornado on the ground near Merino, approximately 11 miles southwest of Sterling, moving southeast at 20 miles per hour.
The storm system is producing a dangerous and damaging tornado, with the potential for:
- Flying debris posing serious risk to those outdoors or in vehicles
- Structural damage to homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles
- Uprooted trees and downed power lines
- Total destruction of mobile homes
Communities directly in the path of the tornado include:
- Merino
- Prewitt Reservoir
- Atwood
- Logan Corners
- Willard
- Messex
Residents in these areas should seek shelter immediately. The safest option is to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and exterior walls.
Do not attempt to outrun the tornado in a vehicle. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area and protect your head.
This is a confirmed tornado, not just radar-indicated. Immediate action is critical to ensuring safety.
Continue monitoring local media, NOAA weather radio, or official NWS alerts for real-time updates.