Officials in Sarasota are advising residents to remain indoors as Hurricane Milton continues to move across the state. Sarasota Vice Mayor Jen Ahearn-Koch stated that the city has experienced flooding, power outages, and fallen trees, but no significant damage has been reported so far.
Vice Mayor Ahearn-Koch emphasized the importance of staying indoors even after the eye of the storm passes, as strong winds and heavy rain are expected to persist for several more hours. She specifically highlighted the potential danger of storm surges and urged residents to take necessary precautions.
As of Thursday morning, no rescue calls have been received by officials. Once conditions improve, city crews will assess the damage and ensure that it is safe for residents to venture outside.
The vice mayor stressed that the situation is still critical and that residents should not let their guard down until the storm has completely passed. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.