Where is Hurricane Milton flooding the most?

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 (1). By mid-morning, the storm was mostly affecting the Atlantic Coast after crossing the peninsular state. Areas around Tampa Bay, including the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, are facing significant flooding due to storm surge and heavy rainfall.

Following in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Milton spawned tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, and resulted in power outages impacting at least three million customers, especially on the state’s west coast. At least four people have died, though there may be more casualties (2).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key just south of Tampa Bay. While the city didn’t suffer catastrophic flooding as feared, the impact has still been severe.

Flooding and hurricane damage has affected Florida’s West Coast near Tampa, the center of the state including Orlando, and the northeast Atlantic Coast. Cities and areas most directly impacted by the flooding include:

• Lakeland
• Sarasota
• Siesta Key
  
• St. Johns River area
• St. Petersburg
• Tampa
• Wesley Chapel
• Winter Haven

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

Flooding is still ongoing in several areas, with rivers such as the St. Johns River expected to experience further flooding during high tide. The situation is being closely monitored, and while rainfall has started moving offshore, floodwaters have not yet fully receded (3).

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Evacuation orders have been issued for areas in the path of Hurricane Milton, especially in central and southern Florida. Up to two million people were ordered to evacuate (4).

Flash flood emergencies were declared in areas such as Pasco, Hillsborough, and Polk Counties. Residents in flood-prone areas are being advised to stay alert and follow evacuation protocols.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

• Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
• Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
• If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
• Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
• Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
• If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.