A man Florida has gone viral for strapping down his entire house in preparation of Hurricane Milton.
At least 14 people have died after Hurricane Milton devastated portions of Florida, leaving residents waking up to survey the damage.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday night near Sarasota County’s Siesta Key, bringing multiple tornadoes, 28ft waves, strong winds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surge.
Six people in St Lucie County retirement village have been killed by tornadoes brought on by the hurricane after a dozen twisters spawned in the region within 20 minutes.
Ferocious winds caused a crane to collapse into the The Tampa Bay Times in St Petersburg, while the roof of Tropicana Field baseball stadium has been left in disrepair.
More than 3.3m homes and businesses in Florida have been left powerless, with those in the west-central region the worst impacted.
Evacuation alerts were blasted out to millions, with Bradenton Police Chief Melanie issuing a bleak prognosis for those who neglected advice. “What we’ll probably be finding in the morning are bodies,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today program on Thursday morning.
After landfall, Milton has weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and is moving off Florida’s east coast – with residents still battling against brutal winds and storm surge.
Key Points
Six people killed by tornadoes in St Lucie County
Hurricane Milton’s damage: Tropicana Field roof shredded and crane smashes into Tampa Bay Times
More than 3m homes and businesses without power in Florida
Where did Milton make landfall?
Tracking Milton: Where is the Category 1 hurricane heading next?
ZooTampa shares images of post-Milton clean up
Friday 11 October 2024 00:25 , Julia Musto
Hillsborough County rescues more than 500 people
Friday 11 October 2024 00:20 , Julia Musto
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said Thursday that they had made more than 500 rescues.
More than 100 pets were also saved, according to FOX 13 Tampa.
Florida’s Health Department warns of ‘active’ insects
Friday 11 October 2024 00:15 , Julia Musto
DeSantis says Florida is ‘resilient’ in aftermath of Hurricane Milton
Friday 11 October 2024 00:10 , Julia Musto
We toured damage in Sarasota County, including in Siesta Key where Hurricane Milton made landfall last night.
With the full support of the state, and the pre-staging of over 50,000 linemen, utility companies and telecommunications providers are working hard to restore power and… pic.twitter.com/xMSi8gNveB
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 10, 2024
University of South Florida will remain closed until Saturday
Friday 11 October 2024 00:05 , Julia Musto
“All classes are canceled on Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12. There will be no in-person, online or asynchronous instruction on Friday or Saturday,” the school said in a Thursday update.
Florida power outages: Number of customers without power falls below 3M
Friday 11 October 2024 00:00 , Julia Musto
The number of Florida customers without power fell below 3 million on Thursday night, tracker PowerOutage.US showed.
Tampa video shows scale of flooding
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:55 , Julia Musto
Restoration efforts will continue as our officers and crews work to return to normal as soon as possible.
Thank you to those who followed evacuation orders—you saved lives. We are proud to serve such a resilient community.
We Are Tampa Strong! pic.twitter.com/GCgCQBbZbT
— Tampa Police Department (@TampaPD) October 10, 2024
Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa sustain minor damage
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:50 , Julia Musto
ZooTampa and the Florida Aquarium sustained some damage from Hurricane Milton, but all their animals are safe.
Debris cleanup will take a few days, the zoo told The Associated Press.
The aquarium’s buildings in Tampa and Apollo Beach also “appear to have minor weather-related damage,” it said in a Thursday press release.
Both the zoo and the aquarium are planning to reopen on Saturday.
With reporting from The Associated Press
More than 500 rescued from Pinellas County apartments
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:45 , Julia Musto
More than 500 people were rescued in Pinellas County after a Clearwater apartment complex flooded, officials said Thursday.
While calls came in overnight, WFLA reported that high winds had initially stopped first responders. Those winds began to die down just before sunrise.
Anna Maria Mayor on Milton relief: ‘We’re trying to put the city back together’
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:40 , Julia Musto
“We’re trying to put the city back together, but it’s taking us quite a while,” Anna Maria Mayor Dan Murphy told FOX News on Thursday.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg warns of bacterial infections from floodwaters
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:35 , Julia Musto
“Many of the deaths or injuries come afterwards as you have downed power lines, people going into water, that might have bacteria that can lead to fatal infections,” he said. “Things that you don’t necessarily think of [at] the moment of the impact of the storm, but are certainly part of the danger.”
Six deaths reported from St. Lucie County tornadoes
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:30 , Julia Musto
St. Lucie County officials told ABC News that six people are dead after tornadoes tore through the area.
The fatalities were reported in the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in northern Fort Pierce.
Florida Highway Patrol rescues continue
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:30 , Julia Musto
Florida DOT warns of traffic for returning residents
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:25 , Julia Musto
As residents begin returning to their homes after the storm, you may experience heavier traffic than usual. Please drive with caution throughout areas with heavy congestion – let’s get everyone home safely.
— FLORIDA DOT (@MyFDOT) October 10, 2024
Puppy rescued from rubble left behind by Hurricane Milton
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:20 , Julia Musto
A puppy named Benji was rescued Thursday from the rubble of mobile home retirement community in Fort Pierce, Florida.
His owners are among those unaccounted for, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Florida emergency officials warn about ‘untold’ number of flooding dangers – including alligators
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:15 , Julia Musto
Hillsborough County lifts its mandatory evacuation order
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:10 , Julia Musto
Sarasota county shares video of conditions at its Turtle Beach
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:05 , Julia Musto
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue shares stunning aerial image of flooding, damage
Thursday 10 October 2024 23:00 , Julia Musto
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission warns of alligators, snakes in flooded areas
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:50 , Julia Musto
Venice Beach gets feet of sand from Hurricane Milton
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:45 , Julia Musto
Treasure Island sewer system remains inoperational
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:40 , Julia Musto
Update: Oct. 10 | 2:25 p.m.
The city’s sewer system is still NOT operational after being shut down before Hurricane Milton. Please do not flush toilets and limit water usage as much as possible to avoid any backups or overflow.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/GBuURPez1Y
— Treasure Island, FL (@TresIslandFL) October 10, 2024
Senator Rick Scott tours damage in Punta Gorda
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:35 , Julia Musto
Just left Punta Gorda in Charlotte County, where I received a briefing from local officials and surveyed the damage in the area. Like so many people, I’ve loved visiting and bringing my grandkids here over the years, and I know this community will be back stronger than ever. As… pic.twitter.com/ZElPmLpX2D
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 10, 2024
Around 70 percent of Pinellas County is still without power
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:30 , Julia Musto
About 70 percent of Pinellas County is still without power Thursday, according to Duke Energy’s Jeff Baker.
“This will be a lengthy restoration,” he said.
Some residents could experience outages for a week or even longer.
Miami Coast Guard crews fly over Florida’s west coast
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:25 , Julia Musto
All Milton warnings have been discontinued
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:20 , Julia Musto
The National Hurricane Center has discontinued all storm surge and tropical storm warnings related to Milton.
The storm is now a post-tropical cyclone.
Coast Guard rescues man clinging to cooler in Gulf of Mexico
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:15 , Julia Musto
#Breaking An @USCG Air Station Miami 65 helicopter crew rescued a man clinging to a cooler approximately 30 mi. off Longboat Key.
The man was taken to Tampa General Hospital for medical care.
Sector St. Pete lost communications w/ the man at approx. 6:45 p.m., Wed. #SAR pic.twitter.com/64wSHuRAeH
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) October 10, 2024
Hurricane Milton death toll rises to 13
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:08 , Julia Musto
At least four people died in Volusia County after Hurricane Milton hit Florida, officials said Thursday.
“I had the ability to traverse the county last night, prior to and when the eye came ashore and I can tell you, we are in for a long recovery, but we need your help to get it done,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told reporters.
The announcement brings the death toll up to 13.
Pasco Sheriff rescues 60 people from flooding
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:03 , Julia Musto
Members of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Chris Nocco, Pasco County Fire Rescue, the National Guard, the Florida State Guard and other law enforcement partners are participating in ongoing water rescues due to flooding from the Anclote River in the area of Mitchell… pic.twitter.com/g8Me7Rx94U
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) October 10, 2024
Tampa Bay Lighting game postponed
Thursday 10 October 2024 22:00 , Julia Musto
Cleaning up after Milton? Here’s what to know
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:55 , Julia Musto
Be careful when cleaning up after #Milton.
✅ Cleanup slowly, taking lots of breaks, to avoid overexertion.
✅ Be very careful with chainsaws and other power tools.
✅ Make sure to stay safe in the heat by staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade.#FLwx pic.twitter.com/eebY5CzNEL
— NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) October 10, 2024
Palm Beach Garden sees preliminarily-rated EF-3 tornado
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:50 , Julia Musto
The easternmost track (Palm Beach Gardens) has been preliminarily rated an EF-3 tornado. Much more surveying on this tornado and others to come. Public information statement on the rating here: https://t.co/YCiFlK6c7z
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) October 10, 2024
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell meets with Florida officials
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:45 , Julia Musto
I’m in Florida, leading the #Milton federal coordination efforts with state & local officials. We have 1,000 first responders on the ground supporting life-saving actions across Florida. Our number one priority is getting help to the people in need as quickly as possible. pic.twitter.com/ywhyOG2bCl
— Deanne Criswell (@FEMA_Deanne) October 10, 2024
HCA Florida Healthcare facilities remain closed in Milton’s wake
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:40 , Julia Musto
Here’s what’s open and what’s closed.
Damage seen in City of Sarasota
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:35 , Julia Musto
Residents are urged to exercise caution when venturing out and avoid areas that have sustained heavy damage or have been cordoned off. There may be seen or unseen hazards.
The best way to expedite recovery is to give crews space to work and stay away from closed areas. pic.twitter.com/HRWJXKFl6V
— City of Sarasota (@CityofSarasota) October 10, 2024
Supplies arrives in Seminole County
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:30 , Julia Musto
Quick Update: Day 2 Hurricane Milton
First shipment has arrived for distribution in Seminole County with generators, non perishables, diapers, wipes, fuel cans, toiletries, children’s toys, and much more. #FloridaStrong 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Lifp8Vc3Ld
— Cory Mills (@CoryMillsFL) October 10, 2024
St. Petersburg Mayor to hold press conference at 5 p.m. EDT
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:25 , Julia Musto
Sarasota County government warns of mosquitoes
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:20 , Julia Musto
DeSantis warns Floridians Atlantic hurricane season isn’t over
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:15 , Julia Musto
“We’re not out of hurricane season yet. I don’t want to scare anybody, but the reality is [that] hurricane season goes through November,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday afternoon.
DeSantis said that there’s usually a diminished chance for a major hurricane later into October. October is the third-most-active month of the season for tropical activity in the Atlantic Basin, according to FOX Weather.
“It’s possible something could happen in the later part of October,” he said. “I’m not saying it’s likely but, it’s just – that is a possibility.”
The Atlantic season runs through November 30. Hurricane Milton was the Gulf’s strongest late-season storm on record, and the strongest hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Hurricane Rita in 2005.
AccuWeather preliminary estimates: Total damage and economic loss from Milton could be $160-$180B
Thursday 10 October 2024 21:07 , Julia Musto
AccuWeather forecasters said Thursday that the company preliminarily estimates total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Milton could reach between $160-$180 billion.
“With Hurricane Milton’s total damage and economic losses of $160-180 billion, the sum of two hurricanes in just three weeks elapsed time has a total damage and economic loss of near 2 percent of the country’s GDP, putting the Federal Reserve in a quandary,” AccuWeather Founder Dr. Joel N. Myers said in a release.
Storm surge still expected along Florida’s east coast
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:53 , Julia Musto
“Even though Hurricane Milton has exited the east coast of Florida, storm surge is still expected along the east coast,” Florida Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie said Thursday.
“Major flooding continues along Hillsborough, St. Johns, and the Little Wekiva Rivers. And, water levels are forecast to continue rising, not going down,” he said.
Residents in those areas should continue to shelter in place until officials determine it’s safe to go outside.
DeSantis: 340 people rescued across Florida
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:46 , Julia Musto
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said Thursday, speaking in Sarasota, that 340 individuals and 49 pets have been rescued across Florida thus far.
Operations would continue throughout the day.
Dolphin pod attempts to escape choppy waters around Florida
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:45 , Julia Musto
Lee County Sheriff warns intruders will be charged ‘to the fullest extent of the law’
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:40 , Julia Musto
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives an update in Sarasota
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:38 , Julia Musto
The death toll from Milton rises to 12
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:38 , Julia Musto
Tampa police found a woman in her 70s underneath a tree branch Thursday morning.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to FOX 13 Tampa.
The station reported authorities said post-hurricane restoration efforts were being done on the property when the branch fell.
Here’s why Duke Energy says you may not see their crews as they work to restore power
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:35 , Julia Musto
“Some customers may not see us as the equipment in need of repair that powers their home may be several blocks away,” Duke Energy said Thursday.
Nearly 70 percent of Tampa Electric customers are without power: CEO
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:30 , Julia Musto
Tampa Electric CEO Archie Collins said Thursday that nearly 600,000 of the utility’s 850,000 customers remain without power on Thursday.
CNN reported that he believes the outage to be the largest in the company’s history.
See Tampa’s crane collapse up close
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:25 , Julia Musto
A Thursday photos shows a collapsed construction crane that broke the windows of an office building in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, Wednesday night. (REUTERS/Octavio Jones)
The building hit by this crane, seen Thursday in St. Petersburg, Florida, was home to the Tampa Bay Times, its reporters said. (REUTERS/Octavio Jones)
A wider view shows the collapsed construction crane that fell on the Tampa Bay Times building in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, on Thursday. (REUTERS/Octavio Jones)
Disney World, Florida theme parks will reopen on Friday
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:20 , Julia Musto
Walt Disney World said that its theme parks, Disney Springs, and other areas will reopen on Friday.
In Orlando, SeaWorld said it would also resume normal operating hours, although its Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream events were canceled.
“Our hearts are with all those impacted by Hurricane Milton,” SeaWorld Orlando said.
Universal Orlando will also open for its normal hours.
Orlando international Airport to receive domestic arrivals, departures begin Friday
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:15 , Julia Musto
Operational Update/8 – Hurricane Milton
Although we’ll receive a few domestic arrivals this evening, no departures or international flights will occur. Please don’t come to the airport for a departing flight tonight. Departures begin tomorrow. Check with your airline for updates. pic.twitter.com/PoUxvgLmiU
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) October 10, 2024
Tampa airport will reopen Friday morning
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:10 , Julia Musto
🚨 GOOD NEWS: TPA TO REOPEN AT 8 A.M. FRIDAY 🚨
🛑 We remain closed to the public today
🔨 Repairs to our campus are underway
✅ We’re working with our partners to make sure staff can return safely
✈️ Check directly with your airline for the latest flight updates pic.twitter.com/CqxUkvpRGe
— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) October 10, 2024
Biden hammers Trump on hurricane misinformation: ‘Get a life’
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:08 , Julia Musto
President Joe Biden told former President Trump, as Trump spoke Thursday afternoon in Detroit, to “get a life,” sharply rebuking the 2024 Republican presidential candidate for spreading misinformation related to FEMA and the government’s hurricane response.
“Mr. President Trump, former President Trump, get a life man, help these people,” he said.
Biden said that the public would hold Trump accountable.
Pentagon says military working to respond to Milton
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:05 , Julia Musto
Major General Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters Thursday that more than 6,500 members of the Florida National Guard have been activated. Furthermore, an additional 3,000 from 19 states are ready to offer support.
The Army Corps of Engineers has about 250 personnel working on temporary roof support, debris, and more.
Biden blasts Hurricane Milton misinformation
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:04 , Julia Musto
“There are thousands of fellow Americans who are putting their lives at stake to do the dangerous work that needs to be done,” he said.
“And, it’s harmful to those that most need help.”
Oil spills from boats in Punta Gorda marina
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:02 , Julia Musto
Spilled oil from capsized boats are seen at the marina following Hurricane Milton, in Punta Gorda, Florida on Thursday. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
A car drives though the flooded street after Hurricane Milton, in Punta Gorda, Florida on Thursday. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds give $1M to hurricane relief fund
Thursday 10 October 2024 20:00 , Julia Musto
Milton throws dumpster onto roof in Palm Beach Gardens
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:55 , Julia Musto
Hurricane Milton did this to a home in PALM BEACH GARDENS.
A dumpster literally ended up on the roof of this house.
(Photo by Evan Rosenberg) pic.twitter.com/BnqAJ7Hcsl
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) October 10, 2024
Tampa Bay Rays feel ‘fortunate and grateful no one was hurt’ by ballpark damage
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:50 , Julia Musto
At least 25 people rescued from St. Lucie County area
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:45 , Julia Musto
We visited St. Lucie County to survey the damage from tornadoes caused by Hurricane Milton.
We’re grateful for the first responders who staged in the area and were ready to save lives. So far, at least 25 people have been rescued from this tornado-damaged area.
Search and… pic.twitter.com/EFphdBpYld
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 10, 2024
Pictured: Panic spreads across Florida as Hurricane Milton moves into state delivering a devastating punch
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:40 , Julia Musto
Dramatic pictures show the preparations, impact and immediate aftermath after Hurricane Milton slammed into Florida Wednesday night.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm around 8.30pm in Sarasota County, Florida, according to the National Hurricane Center. Over three million people are without power across the state and at least 10 deaths have been confirmed as the state starts to assess the damage. “This was an unprecedented storm with very high winds. The damage to the power system is more severe this time around,” St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch told NBC.
The Independent’s Michelle Del Rey has the latest: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hurricane-milton-damage-pictures-tampa-b2627272.html
Florida man uses plastic wrap to protect his prized Corvette ahead of Milton — turns out he didn’t need to
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:30 , Julia Musto
A Florida man who went viral after wrapping his bright orange Corvette in plastic to protect it from Hurricane Milton ultimately needed none of his extensive preparations, as the storm left his home and beloved ride virtually untouched.
John Santos, of Palm Beach, bought the luxury vehicle in January of this year and carefully covered every inch of it this week, as Milton barrelled towards the Sunshine State on Wednesday.
A video of the preparations, posted to TikTok, has amassed over 63 million views. In it, Santos is seen meticulously covering his new Chevrolet Corvette in layers of what appears to be industrial quality plastic and film.
The Independent’s Mike Bedigan has more: https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/hurricane-milton-car-video-corvette-plastic-b2627350.html
Fort Myers roads reopen – except for Dean Park
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:25 , Julia Musto
All road have reopened except for the Dean Park area.
— Fort Myers Police (@fortmyerspolice) October 10, 2024
Milton death toll reaches 11
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:22 , Julia Musto
The storm-related death toll from Milton in Florida has reached 11, according to a count by NBC News.
The most recent confirmed death occurred when a tree fell on a vehicle in Citrus County, killing the driver, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Chicago Marathon allows Florida participants to defer entry to race
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:20 , Julia Musto
The Chicago Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, October 13, is allowing participants from Florida to defer their entry to the 2025 race following Hurricane Milton.
“We’re closely monitoring the situation and how this very serious storm may impact participants from Florida,” the Chicago Marathon told Runner’s World in an e-mail. “We understand these participants may not be able to take part in this year’s race safely as they navigate the challenges ahead and focus on their own safety and well-being.”
Biden warns conditions in Florida still ‘very dangerous’ after Milton
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:19 , Julia Musto
President Biden said Thursday afternoon that Hurricane Milton had brought 10-20 inches of rain the Tampa area and 38 tornadoes across 13 Florida counties.
However, the president said it’s still too soon to be able to fully understand the storm’s impact.
“There are still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden said. “People should wait to be given all clear by their leaders before they go out.”
The Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers are assessing how fast they can reopen the Port of Tampa.
“Vice President Harris and I have been in constant contact with the state and local officials,” the president said. “We’re offering everything they need.”
Nearly 1K flights canceled Thursday across Florida airports
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:15 , Julia Musto
Nearly 1,000 flights were canceled Thursday at airports across Florida.
Orlando and Tampa International Airports both reported numbers in the hundreds, according to tracking service FlightAware.
There were more than 2,256 canceled flights into, within, or out of the US.
St. Lucie County Commissioner George Landry: ‘This has been a tragic 24 hours’
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:10 , Julia Musto
“This has been a tragic 24 hours,” an emotional St. Lucie County Commissioner George Landry told reporters during a press conference early Thursday afternoon.
Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing in the county, which has confirmed five fatalities.
There were approximately 12 tornadoes reported there within a period of 90 minutes, leading to more than 900 calls to its 911 center.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System running full operations after Milton
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:05 , Julia Musto
“We are completely full and at capacity, but we’re running full operations right now,” Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System CEO David Verinder told MSNBC on Thursday. There were 4,700 people at their two sites by Hurricane Milton hit on Wednesday night.
“Our 2 hospitals, North Port ER and Nursing & Rehab Center withstood the impact of the Category 3 hurricane and we were able to continue caring for roughly 1,000 patients and medical evacuees across the system,” the system said in a Thursday update. “We will be assessing our urgent cares, outpatient sites and medical offices as soon as we can to determine when they can re-open; updates to follow.”
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System President and CEO David Verinder joins @jdbalart to share more about the recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton barreled through Florida and how the hospital opened its door to house families and pets of their staff members. pic.twitter.com/HfQpaQnU74
— MSNBC Reports (@MSNBC_reports) October 10, 2024
Mayorkas condemns hate speech online: ‘It has got to stop’
Thursday 10 October 2024 19:00 , Julia Musto
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday that the government is “seeing horrific hate speech of all types, propagated on online platforms” pertaining to people trying to help address the damage from Milton.
He said it’s been “a motivating force for people to do harm and it has got to stop.”
Mayorkas says continuing resolution not a ‘stable way’ to fund the federal government
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:55 , Julia Musto
“A continuing resolution is not a stable way to fund the federal government,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday. “Needs change from year to year and we need real budgets upon which we can rely and upon which we can predicate responsible financial planning and financial management.”
“The Disaster Relief Fund and the funding of it should be completely nonpartisan and apolitical,” he added.
Mayorkas says officials working to ensure residents of states hit by hurricanes have access to voting
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:50 , Julia Musto
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says officials are working to ensure residents in areas affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene have access to voting before the November 5 presidential election.
“We have seen state and local officials who are, of course, on point in ensuring access to voting. We have seen them take measures to ensure that people can, in fact, reach their polling places,” he told the White House press briefing.
“Some polling places have been damaged, for example, as a result of Hurricane Helene. But, they are pivoting to make sure that there are other facilities available to them. And, they’ll have different places at which they can place their votes.”
Milton Becomes a hurricane-force extratropical low pressure system
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:45 , Julia Musto
Post-Tropical Cyclone #Milton Advisory 22A: Milton Becomes a Hurricane-Force Extratropical Low. Tropical Storm Conditions and Storm Surge Still Occurring Over Portions of the Southeastern U. S. Coast. https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 10, 2024
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center remains closed
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:40 , Julia Musto
The worst is over, but Kennedy is still CLOSED.
The Ride Out team has decided it’s safe for them to go out for an initial assessment of the center as Hurricane Milton exits the area.
For more updates, continue to check our Operating Status: https://t.co/3JUEIZzSnv pic.twitter.com/zLvXYoBKlw
— NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) October 10, 2024
Florida Highway Patrol out with chainsaws on Anna Maria Island
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:35 , Julia Musto
More than 6,500 National Guard are supporting Milton response
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:30 , Julia Musto
📸: Earlier today, @FLGuard Soldiers loaded up and moved out to begin clearing debris and help restore communities affected by Hurricane Milton. More than 6,500 National Guardsmen from multiple states are on duty to support #Milton response efforts. pic.twitter.com/TCUPcb2PGq
— National Guard (@USNationalGuard) October 10, 2024
Mayorkas says FEMA has resources to response to immediate needs of Helene, Milton survivors
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:28 , Julia Musto
“That being said, we will need additional funds,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Thursday at the White House press briefing.
“And we implore Congress, when it returns, to in fact fund FEMA as it is needed.”
Milton saw at least 27 tornado touch downs
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:25 , Julia Musto
At least 27 tornadoes touched down in Hurricane Milton, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the White House press briefing, joining virtually from North Carolina.
“Right now, search and rescue is our highest priority,” he said.
Mayorkas warned that the storm may have passed but its hazards had not.
Pasco Sheriff’s Office warns of river flooding
Thursday 10 October 2024 18:20 , Julia Musto
With the significant rain from Hurricane Milton throughout the Tampa Bay area, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is preparing for river flooding in two areas:
– Cypress Creek in Lutz/Wesley Chapel which is currently forecast to be at a major flood stage
– Anclote River in Elfers which… pic.twitter.com/75MTUhcVqc
— Pasco Sheriff (@PascoSheriff) October 10, 2024