Category 3 hurricane makes landfall in Florida — Monster Milton

CATEGORY 3 storm Hurricane Milton made landfall around 7.30 pm on October 9, with the potential of being one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west and central Florida.

Milton, which strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane on October 7, was downgraded to Category 4 on October 8, rebounded to a Category 5 later that day, was downgraded again to a Category 4 and then late on October 9, became a Category 3 hurricane.

Around 7.27 pm, the US National Hurricane Centrer (NHC) said the eyewall of Milton came ashore in Florida with wind speeds of 178 kmph.

"The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore of the Florida gulf coast near Tampa and St Petersburg where an Extreme Wind Warning is now in effect. Please shelter in place as these extremely dangerous hurricane-force winds overspread the region," the NHC warned.

The state is bracing for life-threatening storm surges, damaging winds and flooding rains.

In one of the latest storm surge forecasts – up to Newsday's publication time – was nine-13 feet for Sarasota, six-nine feet for Tampa and eight-12 feet for Fort Myers.

An ABC News report said an estimated 125 homes were destroyed amid a "life-threatening" tornado outbreak ahead of Milton's landfall, according to Kevin Guthrie, head of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Florida's east coast has had "a lot of tornadic activity" that has resulted in structural damage, he said during a press briefing on Wednesday evening.

Milton comes roughly two weeks after Hurricane Helene damaged parts of Florida. On October 6, the Associated Press reported 230 deaths were recorded owing to Helene's impact and destruction

Milton is expected to hit the west coast of Florida, which includes the city of Sarasota. Sarasota was ravaged by Hurricane Helene two weeks ago.

Newsday observed on social media many Floridians preparing their homes and surroundings by putting loose items inside and putting shutters on their windows.

Many Floridians were taking Milton very seriously, saying this storm feels a lot more serious than those in the past.

TRINI FAMILY BATTENING DOWN

Newsday spoke to Karen Johnstone by WhatsApp on October 9.

Johnstone, currently in Orlando, Florida said she wasn't scared, as the authorities and Florida and US media have been keeping the state well informed.

"Folks have taken it seriously and started prepping from the (last) weekend.

"The strengthening and weakening is being well explained, as all programming has switched to real-time storm reporting. We are being kept incredibly in the know, including real-time tornado tracking.
"We honestly have no reason to panic. We know and understand what is happening."

Newsday reporter Gregory Mc Burnie's family is also in Florida and had bunkered down in preparation for Milton.

His uncle, Harold Embrack, his uncle's friend, McBurnie's 78-year-old grandmother Catherine Embrack and cousin Raquel Embrack-Scott are in Lake Placid, Florida.

A video taken by Harold around 5 pm on October 9 showed the skies overcast, nearby trees blowing in the wind and rain drizzling.

Harold said this would be the first "real" hurricane the family will face, as Hurricane Helene "did not have as much power as Milton."

"Milton's trajectory is kind of new, in that it is actually hitting our area rather than hitting the coastline and going up."

Describing his surroundings, Harold said it was doom and gloom.

"Outside is grey and dismal-looking. We have intermittent gusts of heavy breeze. It is moving all the boats that people have tethered down. There is a lot of movement.

"The phone is also going off with tornado warnings, as we are in a tornado zone preceding the hurricane. The notification is very disruptive, but it keeps us informed as to the weather."

Harold said the family is experiencing different emotions.

"Mama (Catherine) said she has no fear, as she's more curious, while Raquel sees it as more of a nuisance and wants to get on the other side of the hurricane.

"My friend is feeling outright fear and panic.
"I'm very curious as well. I've always wanted to be in a safe place when there's a tornado or hurricane and it's an opportunity I will get. I am anxious that other people can be hurt, but I'm ready to take in the sights and sounds and the aftermath."

Harold said the family had assessed the situation and came to the conclusion that the building they are in can withstand Milton.

"The building has been here for several decades and has withstood Ivan, Irma and all those major hurricanes, so we're thinking it can withstand this one without any significant damage."

Harold said his biggest concerns were how long they would lose power for, and his mother's health.

"The storm has not passed yet and the power is already going on and off.

"Also for Mama, how hard will it be in the aftermath to access medical services?" Catherine requires dialysis three times weekly and Harold is worried whether her October 12 appointment will be postponed.

CONSULATE IN TOUCH WITH TRINIS

Newsday  contacted Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Amery BrownE by WhatsApp on October 9 asking for an update on the staff at the TT Consulate General in Miami as well as the TT nationals who had contacted the Consulate for help.

He said, "To date, the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs at headquarters and the TT Consulate General in Miami, Florida have not received any requests for assistance from nationals of TT pertaining to the impending landfall of Hurricane Milton."

He said the Consulate General in Miami had contacted many TT nationals in the central Florida area.

"Some nationals informed that they were safe in their current location, while others advised that they would relocate to the homes of friends and family."

Browne advised TT nationals in Florida to follow the instructions of the local authorities with respect to evacuation and to contact such authorities if they require any assistance as a result of the impact of Milton.

"Due to severe weather conditions, the Consulate General is closed from October 9-10. Nationals requiring the assistance of the Consulate General may contact the following emergency number: (786) 492 2095."