The fire chief in St. Pete Beach, Florida, has raised concerns about the structural integrity of buildings that were previously impacted by Hurricane Helene, as the area braces for the arrival of Hurricane Milton. The fire chief, Jim Kilpatrick, emphasized on Wednesday that the structures, already weakened by the previous storm, could be at risk of collapse due to the impending hurricane.
Kilpatrick highlighted the vulnerability of the structures that had been subjected to both water and wind damage during Hurricane Helene, stating, “My concern is that this next storm may cause collapse.” St. Pete Beach, located on a barrier island west of St. Petersburg, is particularly susceptible to the effects of severe weather events.
Addressing the limited response capabilities of the fire department during the storm, Kilpatrick explained that once the island is evacuated and resources are withdrawn, emergency operations will be confined to the operation center. He emphasized that rescue operations will not resume until it is deemed safe to return to the island.
As Hurricane Milton approached, Kilpatrick issued a stern warning against venturing outdoors, citing the dangers posed by the rough waters and strong winds. He urged residents to seek shelter in sturdy structures capable of withstanding the storm, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors and hunkering down until the threat passes.
During an interview, observers captured footage of individuals, including adults and children, standing near the shoreline in the Tampa area, watching the turbulent waters of Tampa Bay. Kilpatrick's message resonated with the public, underscoring the need for caution and preparedness in the face of impending severe weather conditions.
