Following the landfall of Hurricane Milton near Siesta Key as a Category 3 storm, post-storm recovery efforts have commenced in parts of Hillsborough County, Florida. The storm, which brought wind gusts of up to 100 mph, resulted in significant damage and disruptions across the region.
Authorities have urged residents to stay home due to reports of downed trees and flooded streets. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office issued a warning via social media, advising people to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
In response to the severe weather conditions, a flash flood emergency was declared in Tampa, leading to the suspension of emergency services. The impact of the storm has left over 500,000 homes and businesses in Hillsborough County without power as of 3:30 a.m. ET.
Efforts are underway to restore power to the affected areas, with technicians working diligently to address the outages. Maintaining communication channels is a top priority for the sheriff's office to ensure that residents can reach law enforcement for assistance if needed during the aftermath of the storm.
The aftermath of Hurricane Milton serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and caution during severe weather events. Residents are advised to stay informed about updates from local authorities and to prioritize safety in the wake of natural disasters.