Severe Weather

Hurricane Milton caused serious flooding in many parts of the Tampa Bay area, including in Clearwater, where one man told FOX 13 News water began rushing into his apartment while his family was inside.

Hurricane Milton barreled through the Tampa Bay region Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, bringing heavy rains and winds that will leave residents up and down the state’s western coast to pick up the pieces of their communities.

Mayor Jane Castor held a news conference on Tuesday, providing an update on the final preparations underway by the City of Tampa before Hurricane Milton makes landfall in the Tampa Bay region on Thursday morning.

Jamie, Melissa Guinn had been together 17 years when Hurricane Helene flooding in North Carolina claimed her life.

Debris removal crews across Tampa Bay continued ramping up efforts to collect as much debris as possible Monday before Hurricane Milton's arrival Wednesday.

Residents across Florida’s western coast are bracing for the impacts of Hurricane Milton, which has intensified to a Category 5 storm as it brews in the Gulf of Mexico. 

President Joe Biden has approved an Emergency Declaration for the State of Florida, as Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday. 

On Monday morning, Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a news conference from the State Emergency Operations Center on the ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene and ongoing preparations for Hurricane Milton, which currently sits 745 miles southwest of Tampa and has been upgraded to a Category 4 hurricane as of Monday morning.

Gov. Ron DeSantis toured Anna Maria Island on Thursday, where residents and business owners are trying to get back on their feet.

The historic landmark will be closed until Oct. 15 as the Asheville, North Carolina community recovers from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Helene has caused unprecedented devastation across the western portion of the state. He emphasized the scale of the recovery ahead, stating: "This will be a long and difficult recovery."

Hurricane Helene isn’t only expected to damage homes and vehicles; it has already resulted in at least 17 deaths and one injury, with more fatalities and injuries anticipated.

Having flood insurance can come in handy in the event of an emergency, and these are the items covered under a policy.