This story at a glance…

1. Hurricane Milton devastated Florida, bringing destruction and loss.

2. Tornadoes and high winds left over 3.3 million people without power.

3. Rescue teams are evacuating hundreds from flooded and damaged areas.

4. As waters rise, Floridians are rallying together to rebuild.

  Hurricane Milton: The Aftermath

Florida is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm that made landfall near Sarasota on Wednesday evening. Milton’s fierce winds, torrential rains, and surprise tornadoes have left a staggering impact across the state, uprooting lives and casting darkness over millions. The devastation stretches far and wide, with widespread power outages and significant destruction across Central Florida and beyond.

Lives Lost and Families Left in Shock
At least four people have lost their lives due to tornadoes spun off by Milton, including some on the opposite coast of Florida, far from the storm’s eye. In Tampa, Milton tore through the city, ripping the roof from Tropicana Field and causing a crane to crash into a downtown building. 

Sarasota witnessed its own harrowing scenes, with yachts tossed ashore and trees snapped like twigs, leaving neighborhoods unrecognizable.

Milton’s far-reaching effects have left more than 3.3 million Floridians without power. Hardee County, located 40 miles inland, saw power outages affecting nearly 98 percent of its residents. For many, the extent of the damage will only become clearer in the days to come, but it is already evident that the road to recovery will be long and challenging.

Relentless Efforts Amid the Darkness
First responders and emergency crews have been working tirelessly, performing over 42 rescues. In Pinellas County, 21 residents were rescued from a storm-battered apartment building, while Hillsborough County saw the evacuation of roughly 100 residents from an assisted living facility. With families cut off from power, the reliance on these brave responders has been a beacon of hope amid a landscape of destruction.

As waters recede in some areas, new threats of river flooding are emerging. Central Florida rivers, swollen from up to 18 inches of rain, could see moderate to major flooding, putting additional strain on communities already pushed to the brink.

Airport Closures and Rising River Levels
Many of Florida’s busiest airports, including Tampa and Orlando, remain closed as officials assess damages and ensure safety. Meanwhile, officials warn of potential record-breaking water levels along the Hillsborough River, which threatens to further inundate areas already struggling with floodwaters.

Reflection
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Floridians are leaning on one another and finding strength in their shared faith. Communities are coming together, showing that even in the darkest times, resilience and hope prevail. “But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength.” (2 Timothy 4:17). As we pray for healing and restoration, let this verse remind us that, through faith and unity, we can overcome even the fiercest storms. Together, we are stronger.