Hurricane Milton: A Storm with a Surprising Twist
Wellington, Florida was expected to escape the wrath of Hurricane Milton, which was forecast to make landfall on the opposite side of the peninsula. However, the outcome was far from what Tony Brazzale, a diving boat captain, expected as a tornado loomed in the sky, causing significant damage to his home and neighborhood.
A Surprise Tornado
As the hurricane began to make landfall, Brazzale stood outside his house, taking video on his phone. The pressure dropped, and his wife reported her ears popping, signaling it was time to go inside. The tornado shattered windows, tore off roof shingles, ripped a tree from the ground, and left a trail of debris in the yard. Two days later, Brazzale was seen wearing safety goggles and a chainsaw, cleaning up the damage.
"The hurricane was a non-event for us," he said. "Had it not been for an F-3 tornado, the entire thing would have been a non-event for us."
Tornadoes Spawned by Hurricane Milton
The National Weather Service issued 126 tornado warnings in Florida, and it is believed that at least 38 tornadoes were spawned by the storm. This is a significant number, considering that Florida typically sees about 50 tornadoes a year on average.
Comparison to Historical Record
The number of tornadoes caused by Hurricane Milton could potentially crack the all-time top-10 list for most tornadoes caused by a hurricane. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Ivan in 2004 generated the highest number of confirmed tornadoes at 118.
Aftermath in Wellington
In Wellington, residents are busy cleaning up debris and repairing damage. Sheriff’s deputies are helping with the effort, while those who are more fortunate are assisting their neighbors. Brazzale is focusing on fixing roof tiles and replacing his shattered windows.
Conclusion
The storm that was supposed to spare Wellington, Florida, ended up bringing unexpected surprises. A tornado with a pressure drop that felt like a freight train left a trail of destruction in its wake. While the initial impact of Hurricane Milton was minimal, the aftermath has left many with a newfound appreciation for the unpredictability of nature.
FAQs
Q: How many tornadoes were spawned by Hurricane Milton?
A: At least 38 tornadoes are believed to have been spawned by the storm, according to the National Weather Service.
Q: How does this number compare to the historical record?
A: This number could potentially crack the all-time top-10 list for most tornadoes caused by a hurricane.
Q: What is the typical number of tornadoes in Florida each year?
A: Florida typically sees about 50 tornadoes a year on average.
