{"id":112650,"date":"2024-10-10T20:34:50","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=112650"},"modified":"2024-10-10T20:34:50","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:34:50","slug":"hurricane-milton-aftermath-over-3-million-without-power-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=112650","title":{"rendered":"Hurricane Milton aftermath: Over 3 million without power in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) \u2014 <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/milton-florida-hurricane-d40b1e47fd78844bf1ed528bab5099f1\">Hurricane Milton<\/a><\/span> barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, and whipping up a <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/hurricane-tornadoes-florida-deaths-climate-change-oceans-f197c258022c189c6ce8bc59dc88223e\">barrage of tornadoes<\/a><\/span>. It caused at least four deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.<\/p>\n<p>The storm tracked to the south in the final hours and made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night in Siesta Key, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Tampa. While it caused a lot of damage and water levels may continue to rise for days, Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was not \u201cthe worst case scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6aaa1c7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b8d9a0e\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/01188cf\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1796021\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/2c15a8f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b674330\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1aea821\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dbee77b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1aea821\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/dbee77b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/1aea821\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/5796x3861+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F89%2F52%2Fd825f20eefe8c6b695167bf05e84%2Fc8956f8bb53a42f09cae293d6b871d84\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Ron Rook, who said he was looking for people in need of help or debris to clear, walks through windy and rainy conditions on a deserted street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3228d4c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4672+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/13f1f22\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4672+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cb7d456\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4672+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3b50ed8\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4672+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bfddff4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f8fc712\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bdfa2e7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0ec1bfc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bdfa2e7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0ec1bfc\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bdfa2e7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7014x4673+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F34%2F64%2F882ecf53517c76bae512006ca72b%2F3064f5be7cac44ba81bf5bbc9e508bee\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">A Lee County Sheriff&#8217;s officer patrols the streets of Cape Coral, Fla., as heavy rain falls ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo\/Marta Lavandier)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The deadly storm surge feared for Tampa appears not to have materialized, though the situation in the area was still a major emergency. The storm brought up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) of rain to some parts of the area, according to the governor.<\/p>\n<p>DeSantis said the worst storm surge appeared to be in Sarasota County, where it was 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters) \u2014 lower than in the worst place during Helene.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,\u201d he said. \u201cThe storm was significant but thankfully, this was not the worst case scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As dawn broke Thursday, officials repeated that the danger had not passed: Storm surge warnings were issued for much of the east-central coast of Florida and northward into Georgia, and tropical storm warnings were in place along the coast into South Carolina. Officials in the hard-hit Florida counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota and Lee urged people to stay home, warning of downed power lines, trees in roads, blocked bridges and flooding.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ll let you know when it\u2019s safe to come out,\u201d Sheriff Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, said on Facebook.<\/p>\n<p>The storm knocked out power across a large section of Florida, with more than 3.2 million homes and businesses without electricity, according to <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"http:\/\/poweroutage.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">poweroutage.us<\/a><\/span>, which tracks utility reports.<\/p>\n<p>The fabric that serves as the roof of Tropicana Field \u2014 home of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team in St. Petersburg \u2014 was ripped to shreds by the fierce winds. It was not immediately clear if there was damage inside. Before the storm hit, first responders were moved from a staging area there. <\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5780793\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/c3e7e4c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/45849b7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/27427ad\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bbc5901\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/515e98b\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0cae189\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/18fd0fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0cae189\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/18fd0fa\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0cae189\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/2972x1980+0+0\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fca%2Fa8%2F03d473fe0b6f789b9a57f98f8996%2F1272e4f48d6d4c40a9a036481e997b83\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Wind-driven rain soaks a street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the passage of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3e099d0\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3168+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a8dfaa9\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3168+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b112c8f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3168+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4de416f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3168+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/bffab70\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a1f8003\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/306ea02\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6f5b9e7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/306ea02\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6f5b9e7\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/306ea02\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/4756x3169+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F78%2F83%2Faeac8bbd9a474b99d8ee88d9e5ea%2Fe0c67d2f8aed467ea5b2e73f622f6931\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">A tow truck responds following a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-fullwidth=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageTwoUpEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cc84a6c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5176+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/44f6f98\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5176+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3ec68dd\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5176+0+2\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/4dc7c59\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5176+0+2\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/7ae2c26\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/466bf76\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cf8d438\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/885d189\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cf8d438\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/885d189\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/cf8d438\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/7771x5177+0+2\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F19%2Fec%2F33b8dea14130cc6534828790c18c%2F05e6c65ae45b4e2abfb0d56337804a99\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">Chris Nation, of Commerce, Ga., skids on puddles in the parking lot of the hotel where he&#8217;s riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Nation, who works for a towing company, was deployed to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo\/Julio Cortez)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<picture data-crop=\"twoup-3x2\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/6a9fb0c\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2331+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/b04ad48\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2331+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 2x\"><source media=\"(max-width: 599px)\" width=\"599\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/de94d97\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2331+0+1\/resize\/599x399!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ffb9d59\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2331+0+1\/resize\/1198x798!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 2x\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ad444a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/d8eb598\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 2x\"><source width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8d27a9a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5045274\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8d27a9a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/5045274\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/1534x1022!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd 2x\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8d27a9a\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/3500x2332+0+1\/resize\/767x511!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F25%2Fd7%2F6917f60ed6590fb6c8dee2225090%2F94cd2187202543b884fa1122e4e26ccd\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<p><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">A view of some of the 700 evacuees in the gymnasium in shelter at River Ridge Middle\/High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo\/Mike Carlson)<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Multiple cranes were also toppled in the storm.<\/p>\n<p>St. Petersburg residents also could no longer get water from their household taps because a water main break led the city to shut down service. Mayor Ken Welch had told residents to expect long power outages and the possible shutdown of the sewer system.<\/p>\n<p>Just inland from Tampa, the flooding in Plant City was \u201cabsolutely staggering,\u201d according City Manager Bill McDaniel. Emergency crews rescued 35 people overnight, said McDaniel, who estimated the city had received 13.5 inches (34 cm) of rain.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe have flooding in places and to levels that I\u2019ve never seen, and I\u2019ve lived in this community for my entire life,\u201d he said in a video posted online Thursday morning.<\/p>\n<p>Before Milton even made landfall, heavy rain and tornadoes lashed parts of southern Florida Wednesday morning, with conditions deteriorating throughout the day. One twister touched down in the lightly populated Everglades and <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/NWSMiami\/status\/1844017185817342101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">crossed Interstate 75.<\/a><\/span> Another apparent tornado hit in Fort Myers, snapping tree limbs and tearing a gas station\u2019s canopy to shreds.<\/p>\n<p>The Spanish Lakes Country Club near Fort Pierce, on Florida\u2019s Atlantic Coast, was hit particularly hard, with homes destroyed and some residents killed.<\/p>\n<p>Four people were killed in tornadoes there, the St. Lucie County Sheriff\u2019s Office said.<\/p>\n<p>About 125 homes were destroyed before the hurricane came ashore, many of them mobile homes in communities for senior citizens, said Kevin Guthrie, the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. <\/p>\n<p>About 90 minutes after making landfall, Milton was downgraded to a Category 2 storm. By early Thursday, the hurricane was a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of about 85 mph (135 kph) and leaving the state near Cape Canaveral. <\/p>\n<p><span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/fema-misinformation-helene-milton-hurricane-aid-recovery-468b036784b1db05937e9a34d0146041\">The storm slammed into a region<\/a><\/span> still reeling two weeks after <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/hurricane-helene-fema-826effecab238ff0acf0556ad64b0df2\">Hurricane Helene<\/a><\/span> flooded streets and homes in western Florida and left at least 230 people dead across the South. In many places along the coast, municipalities raced to collect and dispose of debris before Milton\u2019s winds and storm surge could toss it around and compound any damage.<\/p>\n<p>Officials had issued dire warnings to flee or face grim odds of survival. By late afternoon, some officials said the time had passed for such efforts, suggesting that people who stayed behind hunker down instead.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center=\"\">\n<div class=\"Enhancement-item\">\n<div class=\"ImageEnhancement\">\n<figure class=\"Figure\">\n<p>    <a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-db0000\"\/><\/p>\n<picture data-crop=\"imgEn-medium-nocrop\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/ca1b737\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/800x480!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/f186779\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/1600x960!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/a0ad43f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/800x480!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/8eebad2\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/1600x960!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" type=\"image\/webp\" width=\"767\" height=\"460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/21b3c7f\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/767x460!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/eafff25\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/1534x920!\/format\/webp\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 2x\"><source media=\"(min-width: 600px)\" width=\"767\" height=\"460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/df40b83\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/767x460!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 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srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3aaaaa6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/599x359!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0de38a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/1198x718!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 2x\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image\" alt=\"Image\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3aaaaa6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/599x359!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 1x,https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/0de38a4\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/1198x718!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e 2x\" width=\"599\" height=\"359\" src=\"https:\/\/dims.apnews.com\/dims4\/default\/3aaaaa6\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6159x3694+0+0\/resize\/599x359!\/quality\/90\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F97%2Fb8%2Fa625a7f96f933527e4b9ba5cb4eb%2Fe76a9d8498fb4373a5b8a5c82df4812e\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<div class=\"Figure-content\">\n<div class=\"Figure-content-text\"><bsp-read-more class=\"ReadMore\" data-more-button-text=\"Read More\" data-less-button-text=\"Read Less\" data-expand=\"ReadMore-expand\" data-limit=\"110\" data-main-class=\"ReadMore\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\">\n<p>The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso\/Tampa Bay Times via AP)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/bsp-read-more><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Jackie Curnick said she wrestled with her decision to stay at home in Sarasota, just north of where the storm made landfall. She and her husband started packing Monday to evacuate, but they struggled to find available hotel rooms, and the few they came by were too expensive.<\/p>\n<p>With a 2-year-old son and a baby girl due Oct. 29, Curnick said there were too many unanswered questions if they got in the car and left: where to sleep, if they\u2019d be able to fill up their gas tank, and if they could even find a safe route out of the state.<\/p>\n<p>Video taken during the storm showed howling winds and sheets of rain lashing their glass-enclosed swimming pool as their son and dog watched. Trees shook violently.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe thing is it\u2019s so difficult to evacuate in a peninsula,\u201d she said ahead of the storm. \u201cIn most other states, you can go in any direction to get out. In Florida, there are only so many roads that take you north or south.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At a news conference in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis described deployment of a wide range of resources, including 9,000 National Guard members from Florida and other states; over 50,000 utility workers from as far as California; and highway patrol cars with sirens to escort gasoline tankers to replenish supplies so people could fill up their tanks before evacuating.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cUnfortunately, there will be fatalities. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any way around that,\u201d DeSantis said.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders across 15 Florida counties with a total population of about 7.2 million people. In Orlando, <span class=\"LinkEnhancement\"><a class=\"Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement\" data-gtm-enhancement-style=\"LinkEnhancementA\" href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/hurricane-milton-florida-theme-parks-orlando-383cbb4c442aef52650dbab028eb949d\">Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World remained closed<\/a><\/span> Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>More than 60% of gas stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg were out of gas Wednesday night, according to GasBuddy, though DeSantis said the state\u2019s overall supply was fine.<\/p>\n<p>Officials warned that anyone staying behind must fend for themselves, because first responders were not expected to risk their lives attempting rescues at the height of the storm.<\/p>\n<p>In Charlotte Harbor, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Tampa, clouds swirled and winds gusted as Josh Parks packed his Kia sedan with clothes and other belongings Wednesday. Two weeks ago, Helene\u2019s surge brought about 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water to the neighborhood, and its streets remain filled with waterlogged furniture, torn-out drywall and other debris.<\/p>\n<p>Parks, an auto technician, planned to flee to his daughter\u2019s home inland and said his roommate already left.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI told her to pack like you aren\u2019t coming back,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<h2>___<\/h2>\n<p>Associated Press journalists Holly Ramer in New Hampshire; Joseph Frederick in West Bradenton, Florida; Curt Anderson in Tampa; Freida Frisaro in Fort Lauderdale; Brenden Farrington in Tallahassee; Michael Goldberg in Minneapolis; Patrick Whittle in Portland, Maine; Jeff Martin in Atlanta and Christopher L. Keller in Albuquerque, New Mexico, contributed to this report.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script>\n  window.fbAsyncInit = function() {\n      FB.init({\n              appId : '870613919693099',\n          xfbml : true,\n          version : 'v2.9'\n      });\n  };\n  (function(d, s, id){\n     var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];\n     if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}\n     js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;\n     js.src = \"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/sdk.js\";\n     fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);\n   }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"fluid\"\r\n     data-ad-layout-key=\"-fb+5w+4e-db+86\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"7910942971\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1660802\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/apnews.com\/article\/hurricane-milton-tampa-florida-5f6a112986eb6e21720f0f17c504afe8\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) \u2014 Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, pounding cities with ferocious winds and rain, and whipping up a barrage of &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/?p=112650\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8629],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-112650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-u-s","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/112650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=112650"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/112650\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=112650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=112650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hotvideos24.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=112650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}