Hurricane Milton Unleashes Tornadoes in Florida: Urgent Shelter Warnings Issued for SE Hendry County

As Hurricane Milton makes its way through Florida, residents are facing a double threat: not only the devastating winds and rain of the hurricane itself but also the dangerous tornadoes it’s spawning. According to the National Weather Service in Miami (@NWSMiami), a particularly severe tornado is currently on the ground in Southeastern Hendry County. The NWS has issued an urgent warning, advising all residents in the area to seek immediate shelter.

Tornadoes: A Deadly Companion to Hurricanes

Hurricane Milton, which intensified rapidly over the past few days, will soon wreak havoc across Florida with storm surges, flooding, and high-speed winds. However, as the hurricane pushes further inland, the atmosphere has become a breeding ground for tornadoes—one of the most unpredictable and deadly aspects of hurricanes.

The combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and the hurricane’s strong rotational forces has created perfect conditions for tornado development. These tornadoes, unlike the slower-moving hurricane, can form in minutes, leaving residents with little time to react. The tornado currently touching down in SE Hendry County has been marked with a “Considerable Tag” by the NWS, meaning it poses a serious threat to life and property.

What Does a ‘Considerable Tag’ Mean?

The National Weather Service uses tags to communicate the severity of weather events. A “Considerable Tag” indicates that the tornado is capable of causing significant damage, including:

• Destroyed homes and businesses
• Debris that can become airborne and lethal
• Life-threatening situations for anyone caught without shelter

In this case, the tornadoes accompanying Hurricane Milton has the potential to cause widespread destruction. The NWS advises all residents in SE Hendry County and surrounding areas to immediately seek shelter in a safe place, such as a basement, storm shelter, or interior room away from windows.

Sheltering During a Tornado

In the event of a tornado, time is of the essence. If you live in or near the impacted areas of SE Hendry County, take the following steps now:

1. Move to the lowest floor of your home. If you have a basement or storm shelter, use it. Otherwise, seek shelter in an interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet.
2. Avoid windows and doors. Flying debris from a tornado can shatter glass and penetrate walls, causing serious injuries.
3. Cover yourself. Use a mattress, heavy blankets, or even a sturdy table to protect yourself from falling debris.
4. Stay informed. Keep a battery-powered radio or your phone nearby to receive updates from the National Weather Service or local authorities.

Hurricane Milton’s Broader Impact

While the tornado threat is currently focused on SE Hendry County, the effects of Hurricane Milton are soon to be felt across much of Florida. Major cities such as Miami, Tampa, and Orlando will experience heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and power outages as the storm progresses. Coastal communities will see storm surges inundate streets and homes, prompting widespread evacuations.

Experts predict that Hurricane Milton’s path could extend further north, bringing additional tornado risks to inland areas. It’s essential for all Floridians to remain vigilant, especially as these rapidly forming tornadoes can develop far from the hurricane’s center.

Stay Safe and Stay Informed

With Hurricane Milton still active, it’s important to remain prepared for changing conditions. Follow @NWSMiami on social media and monitor local news outlets for updates. If you are in SE Hendry County or any area under a tornado watch or warning, act now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Stay safe, Florida, and take the necessary precautions during this dangerous storm.