Hurricane Milton

[TiggerTrigger]

I’ve seen reports of older folks staying because they have somewhere very close to go that is safe if the need arises (such as a cinderblock stairwell in their multistory apartment building, etc). The reason they gave for staying is they feel like ability to get back into their home and start cleaning might make a huge difference, like the difference between losing a few things or everything once the mold sets in. I don’t know. On one hand I can understand but is it really worth it? Obviously safety but even if survivable you might not want to be stuck in a home with no power, no running water/sewage, broken windows and feet of water slowly receding. It’s hard to tell some folks what to do, especially if they’ve weathered a few rough storms in their life.

My parents used to live in a zone A in Tierre Verde/St. Pete Beach. Granted, they got lucky with storms during their 5-6 years they were there, but they really didn't want to leave. We talked a little bit about this Milton and I think water being cut off would have pushed them to leave for this one. It's tough though because evacuation is an awful experience (at least from my experiences) and it's hard when you have pets in the mix. Coming back to damage is also a real challenge. It really is critical to start ripping things out ASAP if they got wet. We also had roof damage from one of the storms when we evacuated, so getting back to tarp before there's any additional damage was a priority.

 

[NotUrsula]

DS rode it out in Bradenton, a few miles back from the river. There was some severe damage and surge flooding right near the water, but not where he was on high ground. They spent the night in a 2nd floor bathroom, and he said the whole place was rumbling like it was next to a train track for hours, but amazingly, no major damage when they got outside this morning. They had some 100 mph wind gusts at the height of the storm.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

DS rode it out in Bradenton, a few miles back from the river. There was some severe damage and surge flooding right near the water, but not where he was on high ground. They spent the night in a 2nd floor bathroom, and he said the whole place was rumbling like it was next to a train track for hours, but amazingly, no major damage when they got outside this morning. They had some 100 mph wind gusts at the height of the storm.

We have a friend in Bradenton that also rode it out. Looks like mainly tree, shingle, and lanai damage. He was posting videos out his back door as late as around 10pm ET and it sounded pretty fierce. His videos around 9pm looked the worst. Glad everyone is safe!

 

[anniemae]

Glad it seems to have been less intense, or catastrophic, as they originally predicted, but I feel horrible for those who sustained serious damages to their homes. Most of the damage I have seen on the news is trees and branches down as well as roof damage. Hopefully power will be restored to all those who lost it. I think there were trucks ready to assist as soon as the storm pulled away. I guess the surge of seawater didn't happen, thankfully.

I think the tornadoes caused more damage in the areas where they hit and unfortunately there were some deaths. to all dealing with the aftermath.

 

[NotUrsula]

The worst surge hit further south. There are boats on lawns all over the place in Punta Gorda.

 

[randumb0]

Power is expected to be back on in most areas of Central Florida this weekend. I had some roof damage but it has already been prepared. I am anxiously awaiting my property insurance renewal

 

[White Cat]

Power is expected to be back on in most areas of Central Florida this weekend. I had some roof damage but it has already been prepared. I am anxiously awaiting my property insurance renewal

8 more days in parts of Sarasota. My guess longer for much of the area.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

Power is expected to be back on in most areas of Central Florida this weekend. I had some roof damage but it has already been prepared. I am anxiously awaiting my property insurance renewal

Our estimated restoration date is THURSDAY 10/17 in Lake Alfred just north of Winter Haven in Central FL

Went out at 10:15 p.m. 10/09.

 

[Marrila]

Our estimated restoration date is THURSDAY 10/17 in Lake Alfred just north of Winter Haven in Central FL

I'm sorry to hear that. It's not easy doing without power. I'm hoping they will be able to get power to your area sooner than estimated.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

We're lucky though - no damage to our place or vehicles or us. We have running water albeit cold - showers are quick

& my friend who HAS power brought over a couple portable power packs to keep our phones charged

Plus my work place in Lakeland had minimal damage & has power now so we're good to go there Monday

 

[White Cat]

Our estimated restoration date is THURSDAY 10/17 in Lake Alfred just north of Winter Haven in Central FL

Went out at 10:15 p.m. 10/09.

Lk Alfred is a really cool area.

 

[DoryGirl1963]

Oh! & temps & weather are GORGEOUS now & this coming week so no A/C is a non issue

 

[Stratman50th]

Oh! & temps & weather are GORGEOUS now & this coming week so no A/C is a non issue

Happy everything made it ok!

 

[DoryGirl1963]

I'm almost afraid to say anything in case it doesn't hold but...our power just came on !!!

 

[barkley]

I'm almost afraid to say anything in case it doesn't hold but...our power just came on !!!

is it still on? hoping the best for everyone.

 

[Christine]

A frient I have in Ft. Pierce said they won't be getting power until maybe the 17th!

 

[DoryGirl1963]

is it still on? hoping the best for everyone.

It is ! Now if only there was any gas

 

[barkley]

It is ! Now if only there was any gas

sorry to hear about the gas but glad the power has stayed on. any timeline on gas becoming available?

 

[DoryGirl1963]

Unfortunately not .

 

[Stratman50th]

Unfortunately not .

My guess is that Polk county wasn't on the map for those evacuating from the coast and didn't get any/many pre-staged tankers. Also, we saw on the news there was an electrical problem at the port that kept the tanker ships from being unloaded. Luckily I filled up several days before the storm was predicted to hit so I'm good for now, but like you I'll need to fill up again before too long.