Hurricanes Helene and Milton made direct hits to Florida within a 2 week period
Hurricane Helene began its development in the Western Caribbean Sea as scattered thunderstorms. Making its way into the Gulf of Mexico it continued along the western coast of Florida and made landfall on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 Hurricane in the Florida panhandle.
“Helene brought devastating wind damage and catastrophic flash flooding to these areas before with an upper level low centered over the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys,” NOAA, the National Hurricane center reported.
Helene left 3.5 million people without power across the southeastern United States. As of Oct 14. the death toll reached 250 across seven states and continues to rise as search and rescue efforts are underway.
“Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic damage that will be felt immediately and for weeks, months and years to come. We are committed to helping those who are impacted right now, and for the long haul,” Kody H Kinley, NC Health and Human Services Secretary said to the Sun Sentinel.
Hurricane Milton later began in the tropics also making its way up into the Gulf of Mexico. It was a slow storm that gathered speed to a Category five with a direct hit towards the western coast of Florida.
Milton made landfall as a Category four storm in Sarasota and made its way across the state slowly losing speed. It exited as a category one hurricane into the Atlantic ocean.
“Still, some neighborhoods remained without power, with many severely damaged homes and businesses, their streets flooded and filled with debris,” AP News said.
Both Helene and Milton had devastating effects on Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. The rise of natural disasters has taken a toll on mental health across the affected areas.
Alexa Bass, Tampa resident, evacuated her home in Hillsborough County for both Helene and Milton.
“I evacuated for Helene due to the fact that my home lost power within the first strand of the storm,” Bass said.
Just a week later, Bass’ town was a direct hit in the path of Milton.
“Evacuating for Milton honestly was more of an inconvenience than a hassle to me, however once I got to my destination and put on the news, that’s when I really started to get worried,” Bass said.
Between both storms, there is an estimated death of 268 people, as reported by CBS News. More search and rescue is underway.
“My perspective has changed in the sense that I now really understand the idea of not taking anything for granted, and that the people you are make all the difference,” Rhen Linsky, Tampa Resident said.
South Florida during Hurricane Milton had a historic day of tornados. WPTV reports that there was a tornado (EF20) beginning in Wellington, eventually making its way to Jupiter. The Winds were 120mph causing fatalities and damage across Palm Beach County, more specifically in Jupiter Farms. “I looked and realized everything’s gone, Like I put everything into this place for the last five years, and there’s nothing here,” Monique Ritcher, owner of Blue Ridge farms, said to WPBF 25 News.
