Hurricane Milton Causes Massive Sinkhole in Hillsborough County
Hurricane Milton has resulted in the typical damage that comes with a powerful hurricane, but it has also caused a large sinkhole in Riverview, Fla in Hillsborough County.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shared the photos below via Facebook of the sinkhole in Riverview. Along with the photos, they shared the caption, “A giant sinkhole has opened at the intersection of Irish Moss Avenue and Pond Pine Drive, blocking residents. #teamHCSO is urging residents to stay alert, as sinkholes can expand without warning.”
CNN’s Isabel Rosales was on the scene to capture video of the sinkhole. Rosales notes that the sinkhole breaks apart the road which is the only way to get into the community directly impacted by the sinkhole. A Hillsborough County deputy told Rosales that those residents are “essentially stuck” in their neighborhood right now.
“They’re forced to go around the neighborhood into the backyards of these houses,” said Rosales.
Other Damage and Updates on the Aftermath of Hurricane Milton
Images of flooding, fallen trees and other debris have been common in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. One of the most viral images and videos since Milton made landfall has been the roof of Tropicana Field being blown away by the strength of the storm’s wind. Tropicana Field is the home of the Tampa Bay Rays and was being used as a staging area for electrical workers and members of the Florida National Guard. Tampa’s ABC Action News reports no one at Tropicana Field was injured during the storm.
The Tampa Bay Rays issued a statement following Milton saying, in part, “Our priority is supporting our community and our staff. We are fortunate and grateful that no one was hurt by the damage to our ballpark last night. Over the coming days and weeks, we expect to be able to assess the true condition of Tropicana Field. In the meantime, we are working with law enforcement to secure the building.”
As of publishing, the Associated Press reports that over three million homes and businesses are without power, with Florida’s central Gulf Coast hit the hardest. Milton made landfall around 8:30 p.m. ET yesterday (October 9) near Siesta Key, Fla. NBC News reports that at least 12 people have been confirmed dead. Six of those deaths were in St. Lucie County, where multiple tornadoes touched down.
NBC News notes the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Howard Frankland Bridge and the Gandy Bridge have all reopened in the Tampa area. Additionally, Tampa International Airport will reopen tomorrow (October 11) at 8 a.m.
