Western Florida is still recovering from Hurricane Milton in October of 2024; so you may want to consider delaying your travel — or, at least, keep yourself updated as to the latest information — if this region is in your travel plans over the next few weeks.
Western Florida Still Recovering From Hurricane Milton: October 2024 Travel Alert
The area was not only impacted by a direct hit as the result of the landfall of Hurricane Milton as a Category 3 hurricane on the evening of Wednesday, October 9, 2024; but it was also still recovering from the effects of the outer bands of Hurricane Helene earlier this month as it passed northbound west of the area.
Thousands of electrical power outages and shortages of fuel were reported throughout much of the state of Florida, which left hundreds of thousands of people without power; and at least 14 fatalities have been attributed to Hurricane Milton. Buildings were destroyed; and thousands of trees were uprooted as they fell on cars, structures, and other objects. Tons of debris is currently being removed by approximately 2,800 workers over the next 90 days.
Nearly TEN THOUSAND cubic yards of debris have already been removed from impacted areas following #HurricaneMilton. That’s the result of our crews, valued partners, and neighboring states working 24 hours a day to help the people who depend on us. Hard work = major impacts for… pic.twitter.com/9TarAb5u68
— FLORIDA DOT (@MyFDOT) October 14, 2024
Entire neighborhoods reportedly were submerged in several feet of water — partially because of a storm surge; and partially due to torrential rainfall — which prompted municipalities to warn residents not to drink or use their tap water.
Displaced wild animals — such as alligators — have been found in neighborhoods and in homes.
An outbreak of tornados have also wreaked havoc throughout much of the state of Florida.
https://twitter.com/tornadorology/status/1844153062199611690
Just had a tornado pass by our subdivision in Vero Beach @MaxVelocityWX #HurricaneMilton pic.twitter.com/G5O0PiPKbH
— Jon (@jntblake0812) October 9, 2024
Electrical power is expected to be completely restored by tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will remain closed until at least Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 9:00 in the morning Eastern Daylight Time.
The official Internet web site of the Florida Department of Transportation gives detailed information on roads and highways that were impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Milton — as well as the following warning:
As Florida recovers from Hurricane Milton, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is actively working to clear roadways and restore services to areas impacted by the storm. Tolls have been suspended across Central Florida and West Florida. See a list of impacted toll facilities here. Visit FloridaDisaster.org for the latest storm information and safety alerts. For real-time traffic information throughout the state, visit FL511.com
Losses could exceed $160 billion in damages.
https://twitter.com/TADCK79/status/1844618100001603769
The ride is over with Milton, but the recovery just begins. We finally got our power back in last night. Others around us still do not, and the lines for fuel are longer. Not to mention stress levels are boiling over with folks. #HurricaneMilton pic.twitter.com/eiRazf9T5Y
— XRPZilla (@ZillaDaKilla316) October 14, 2024
The view from our window as we ride out the storm. The roof of Tropicana Field is destroyed by the winds of #HurricaneMilton. Praying for Tampa Bay and all areas affected. Stay safe, everyone pic.twitter.com/uy0aNGMAuJ
— Dave Moore (@DaveMoore_83) October 10, 2024
https://twitter.com/Whitt_NaeNae/status/1844533071728513433
Flight Waivers, Delays, and Cancellations
If you are traveling to or from western Florida, expect delays and possible cancellations of flights. Keep up to date on the latest information which may adversely affect your travel plans.
If you have a flight scheduled, your flight may be delayed or canceled — and you may be eligible for a waiver of a fee to change your itinerary. If you are driving in any of these areas, watch out for closed roads and traffic problems.
Here are eight airlines which have issued travel alerts as a result of the remnants of this tropical weather system:
- American Airlines has issued travel alerts for Fort Myers, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Tampa for Monday, October 7, 2024 through Thursday, October 24, 2024; and Saturday, November 9, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Delta Air Lines has issued a travel alert for Sarasota for Monday, October 7, 2024 through Thursday, October 24, 2024; and Sunday, October 27, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- United Airlines has issued travel alerts for Fort Myers, Sarasota-Bradenton, and Tampa for Monday, October 7, 2024 through Thursday, October 24, 2024; and Saturday, November 9, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Southwest Airlines has issued a travel alert for Sarasota-Bradenton through Thursday, October 24, 2024; and Thursday, November 7, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- JetBlue Airways has issued travel alerts for Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Tampa Bay for Monday, October 14, 2024 through Thursday, October 24, 2024; and Saturday, November 9, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Frontier Airlines has issued travel alerts for Sarasota and Tampa for Sunday, October 13, 2024 through Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has issued a travel alert for Sarasota for Monday, October 7, 2024 through Thursday, October 24, 2024; and Sunday, October 27, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
- Virgin Atlantic Airways has issued travel alerts for Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Tampa for Monday, October 7, 2024 through Tuesday, October 15, 2024; and Wednesday, October 23, 2024 is the last day on which tickets must be reissued and rebooked travel must begin.
Final Boarding Call
Western Florida was affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton — especially as the area suffered a direct hit from the landfall of Hurricane Milton, which was a Category 3 hurricane at the time. Recovery could take months in this region.
Be sure to contact your airline or transportation provider for the latest information pertaining to your travels — if they are adversely affected — and please: travel safely.
As an incentive to help the victims of both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton — as well as simultaneously earn some miles in the process — you can earn ten American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles for every dollar you donate to the American Red Cross with a minimum donation of $25.00 through Friday, October 18, 2024.
Photograph ©2018 by Brian Cohen.
