Hurricane Milton: A Close Call in Orlando

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SURVIVING HURRICANE MILTON - A DEVASTATING STORM EXPERIENCE

Trev and Chels

Oct 10, 2024

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People & Blogs

Here Comes Another Hurricane

  1. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, struck Florida, marking the second major hurricane in two weeks. It intensified rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico before making landfall in Sarasota, causing significant storm surge, flooding, and tornadoes.
  2. The storm's impact was felt across Florida, with Orlando experiencing property damage and residents enduring a sleepless night. Despite the challenges, there is a sense of gratitude for minimal personal damage.
  3. The hurricane's path was unprecedented, moving through Tampa, Orlando, and Daytona, areas recently affected by Hurricane Helen. This unusual trajectory added to the urgency and concern among residents.
  4. The narrative includes personal experiences of individuals who had to cut their vacation short due to the hurricane threat, highlighting the disruption caused by the storm.
  5. The text reflects on the broader impact of the hurricane season, with hopes that Milton will be the last storm of the year, emphasizing the emotional toll on affected communities.

We Need to Get Home

  1. Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified from a Category 4 to a Category 5 storm, with winds reaching 125 mph, causing significant concern for Florida residents.
  2. The narrator humorously notes that during hurricane preparations, calories don't count, highlighting the stress and urgency of the situation.
  3. The storm's escalation was so rapid that it intensified while the narrator was eating, emphasizing the unpredictability and danger of hurricanes.
  4. The narrator describes their travel plans, flying to Dallas and then back to Florida, narrowly avoiding flight cancellations due to the hurricane warnings.
  5. Upon landing, all passengers received hurricane warnings on their phones, indicating the severity of the situation as commercial flights were being halted.
  6. The narrator mentions the rush to prepare for the hurricane with only 36 hours available, highlighting the challenges of last-minute preparations.
  7. There was a scarcity of essential supplies like water, with stores limiting purchases to two cases per person, illustrating the panic and urgency among residents.
  8. The narrator discusses the need for specific types of gasoline for their generator and boat, showing the detailed planning required for hurricane readiness.

36 Hours to Prep

  1. Meteorologist Lewis Turner advises that today is crucial for hurricane preparations as Hurricane Milton approaches. The storm has lost some strength but is expected to regain Category 5 status by the end of the day.
  2. Milton's expansion means a wider area will be affected, increasing the potential for storm surge and catastrophic impacts despite a decrease in wind speed.
  3. The importance of data collection by storm chasers is highlighted, as their efforts help predict the storm's path and intensity.
  4. Preparations include securing propane for grilling in case of power outages, and ensuring pets are safe and calm during the storm.
  5. Past experiences with Hurricane Ian have informed current preparations, such as securing floating platforms to prevent damage from waves.
  6. The community is actively sharing resources and information, such as gas availability, to help each other prepare for the storm.
  7. Local businesses, like Publix, become social hubs where people gather and share updates while preparing for the hurricane.
  8. Efforts to fix and secure personal property, like boats and jet skis, are part of the preparation process, with neighbors offering support and resources.
  9. The changing weather conditions are noted, with skies becoming more ominous as the storm approaches, prompting further urgency in preparations.
  10. Universal Studios' decision to close early is seen as an indicator of the storm's seriousness, affecting local routines and businesses.
  11. Community support is emphasized, with neighbors helping each other secure property and offering resources like dock space for boats.
  12. The narrator expresses gratitude for the support received from neighbors, highlighting the importance of community during natural disasters.

Disaster Strikes (But It's Not What You Think)

  1. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, hit Florida, causing severe damage, including storm surges, flooding, and tornadoes, particularly affecting Sarasota and Orlando.
  2. The narrator describes a personal encounter with a hornet sting, highlighting unexpected challenges during hurricane preparations.
  3. The hornet attack occurred while securing a boat with ratchet straps and spray to protect it from the hurricane's impact.
  4. The narrator expresses concern about the boat's ability to withstand the hurricane, despite securing it with multiple straps and raising it to avoid damage.
  5. The text humorously contrasts the hornet sting with the larger threat of the hurricane, emphasizing unexpected personal challenges amidst natural disasters.

Difficult Decisions

  1. The narrator is preparing for Hurricane Milton by filling containers with water, including party containers and cleaned-out fridge items, to ensure a water supply in case of power outages. They also consider filling the bathtub for additional water, which can be used for flushing toilets or for pets if necessary.
  2. They discuss the potential for water contamination due to flooding, even if power is restored, and decide to be cautious by using stored water. The narrator expresses concern for their boat, which is moved to a safer location, and debates the best way to secure the empty boat lift during the storm.
  3. Two options for securing the boat lift are considered: lowering it to the bottom of the water or raising it high to avoid wind damage. The narrator decides to lift it halfway and tie it off, believing this to be the safest option despite not being ideal.
  4. The narrator is also concerned about a floating dock, which is too heavy to move, and hopes it will remain secure during the storm. They express gratitude for a seawall that was installed, which involved a lengthy permitting process but now provides protection.
  5. Preparations include unplugging electrical items and securing jet skis to block wind. The narrator considers how to handle a vinyl fence, which is flexible and may not withstand strong winds, debating whether to open it to create a wind tunnel or keep it closed.
  6. A surprise delivery arrives, which the narrator hopes is useful for storm preparation. They also note a flock of birds, interpreting it as an ominous sign. The narrator's partner suggests using plastic wrap to secure items, drawing on experience from working at Disney.
  7. The narrator reflects on the day's work and the anticipation of the storm, noting the peacefulness of the sunset despite the looming threat. They mention their pet, who has been restless, possibly sensing the impending storm.

Frisbee With Coop & Bedtime

  1. Cooper, the dog, sensed something unusual was happening and expected to play, but faced disappointment throughout the day. Eventually, the owners decided to play frisbee with him as there was nothing else to do, providing a moment of joy amidst the anticipation of the storm.
  2. The narrative takes place at 2:27 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9th, marking the beginning of the rain associated with Hurricane Milton. The unusual cloud formations were noted, indicating the storm's approach.
  3. Despite the impending storm, the narrator was up late recording videos, acknowledging it might not have been the best decision given the need for rest before the sleepless nights expected due to the hurricane.
  4. The rain was light at the time, but there was concern about the lake filling up if the rain continued for the next 18 hours, which could lead to flooding.
  5. The narrator expressed concern about the possibility of losing air conditioning, highlighting the potential severity of the storm's impact.

It's Hurricane Day

  1. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, struck Florida, causing significant damage, especially in Sarasota, with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
  2. The storm's impact included severe storm surges, flooding, and numerous tornadoes, affecting various parts of Florida, including Orlando.
  3. Residents prepared for the hurricane by securing their properties, trimming trees, and ensuring backup power sources like generators were functional.
  4. Challenges faced included dealing with clogged generators due to old fuel, which required maintenance to ensure power during outages.
  5. The storm's progression was monitored closely, with residents staying informed about tornado warnings and the hurricane's path.
  6. Despite the severe weather, some residents experienced only minor property damage and expressed gratitude for their safety.
  7. The narrative highlights the unpredictability and danger of tornadoes, which can accompany hurricanes and cause additional destruction.

Tornado Warnings

  1. The text describes a tense situation where tornadoes, previously seen at lunch, are now directly impacting the area, causing panic and the need for immediate shelter.
  2. The narrator urges others to take shelter in a pantry, highlighting the urgency and potential danger of flying objects within the house.
  3. Despite the chaos, the narrator tries to maintain calm, expressing pride in the group's behavior during the emergency.
  4. The text humorously notes the irony of taking shelter in a pantry filled with potential projectiles, emphasizing the lack of better options.
  5. The narrator reassures everyone that they will be fine, trying to keep spirits up amidst the fear of the tornado's proximity.
  6. A specific mention is made of a pet, K, who is behaving unusually well, adding a personal touch to the narrative.
  7. The narrator notes the tornado's rotation is supposed to be above downtown Orlando, increasing the tension due to the inability to see the tornado.

The House is Leaking

  1. The balcony was redone three times, with the latest renovation involving a new company that set it up like a shower to prevent leaks.
  2. The narrator was initially excited to test the new balcony during the storm, hoping it would not leak anymore.
  3. Despite using high-quality materials like aluminum doors and a special membrane system, the balcony still experienced leaks.
  4. The narrator expresses frustration and disbelief as everything, including tiles and the underlying structure, was completely redone to be impenetrable.
  5. Water pooling was observed despite the increased angle meant to encourage runoff, leading to the conclusion that the balcony is the world's most expensive yet ineffective.
  6. Plans are made to fill the balcony with cement or stucco to prevent future leaks, as the current setup is unsatisfactory.
  7. The leak has temporarily stopped, as indicated by a dry bucket, but further inspection is needed to address the seam between drywall pieces.
  8. The narrator prefers leaks that do not affect the lighting, indicating a preference for less disruptive leak locations.

Hurricane Milton

  1. Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, is approaching Sarasota, Florida, and is expected to make landfall soon. The storm's path is south of Tampa, sparing the area from repeated impact, but still poses a threat to other regions.
  2. The storm has weakened to a Category 3 and is expected to further decrease in intensity as it moves towards Orlando, potentially reaching a Category 1 or 2. This change is due to a reduction in rain and a slight increase in wind speed.
  3. Preparations are underway to secure property, including reinforcing gates with heavy pavers and checking on neighbors' properties to ensure everything is secure. The wind is coming from multiple directions, making it challenging to predict its impact.
  4. Despite the storm's weakening, Orlando is experiencing strong winds, with sustained speeds of 28 mph and gusts up to 55 mph, expected to peak at 74 mph. The sounds of the storm, such as wind and water leaks, create an unsettling atmosphere.
  5. The storm causes minor property damage, including a panel of vinyl fencing being ripped out of concrete. Vinyl fencing, while not very sturdy, is inexpensive and easy to replace, providing some reassurance.
  6. The storm's impact is felt throughout the night, with increasing wind speeds and minor structural damage, such as a tear in the ceiling paint. The storm's intensity peaks early in the morning, causing anxiety and sleep disruption.
  7. Efforts to mitigate damage include opening gates to reduce wind pressure and checking on the stability of structures like the jet ski dock. The storm's unpredictability and strength test the resilience of the property and its owners.

The Damage & Aftermath

  1. The hurricane began to subside around 6:30 or 7 PM, but it was difficult to sleep due to the noise and darkness, which made it hard to assess any potential damage.
  2. A large tree fell away from a house, narrowly missing a boat and jet ski, which could have caused significant damage if hit.
  3. The storm caused a concrete power pole and street light to be uprooted, scattering debris everywhere, but fortunately, no windows were broken.
  4. A fence was damaged, with boards flying off, but the boat remained secure despite strong winds, thanks to pre-drained lakes from a previous storm.
  5. The internet line remained intact, allowing for communication and video uploads, despite being the same line that had previously gone down.
  6. The storm blew three inches of water out of the pool, and the most significant personal damage was a fence post ripped from concrete, which will need replacement.
  7. Despite the severe weather, the area fared well compared to coastal regions, which faced tornadoes, storm surges, and flooding rains.
  8. The community is beginning cleanup efforts, hoping this is the last storm of the year.