Hurricane Milton Causes Tornado Havoc in Vero Beach
Outer bands from Hurricane Milton spawned tornadoes in my hometown of Vero Beach on the east coast of Florida. Homes, businesses, and other properties suffered incredible damage when multiple tornadoes ripped through our lovely town. Once voted one of the best small seaside towns in the country, the destruction has now dramatically changed the landscape.
People in Florida are well prepared for hurricanes and headed the warnings that were issued from state and local authorities. Millions evacuated the west coast of Florida before the arrival of Hurricane Milton. The state deployed the largest number of national guardsmen in its history to respond to Milton.
Unfortunately, nothing can be done as tornadoes approach unexpectedly. Unusually severe thunderstorms were linked to Hurricane Milton’s outer bands. They caused a tornado outbreak that struck Vero Beach on the east coast of the state. This occurred before the hurricane even made landfall on Florida’s west coast.
Indian River County officials described the destruction as severe. They called it “one of the worst known tornado outbreaks in modern history for our area.” Emergency service officials said “four confirmed tornadoes swooped down in the county.” The tornadoes left two people with non-life threatening injuries.
“It was like the roar of a locomotive,” Mayor John Cotugno explained. “One second it was calm, and the next I saw tree limbs flying and crashing into our yard and the kitchen windows. It was like a bomb.” He could not believe the destruction he witnessed.
My husband and I are fine. We had flown out of Melbourne the day before this terrible event. We expected tropical force winds but had no idea of what lay ahead for the residents of Vero Beach.
There has been significant damage in both the beachside communities and the mainland side of Vero Beach. During the storms, the weather station at the Vero Beach Police Department recorded a 95-mph wind gust. The high winds knocked down railroad crossing arms. They also sprawled large tree branches all over the streets and knocked out power to thousands of residents.
Thankfully, there weren’t any deaths in Vero Beach. Despite the destruction and trauma that everyone has gone through, we have to be very grateful. It could have been even worse. Tragically, the city of Ft. Pierce, just south of Vero Beach, experienced six deaths at a mobile home community. We keep their families in our prayers.
Our hearts go out to the many who have lost their homes. Others have sustained significant damage. It will be a long time for our charming seaside town to recover from so much damage.
My husband and I can relate to what everyone sustaining damage from the storm is going through. Years ago, we lived through Hurricane Andrew. We know the trauma of trying to prepare as a horrible storm bears down on where you live. We have gone through the high winds and rain. We prayed for it to end and were shocked to see the aftermath.
We also know what it is like to lose electricity for days. Absolutely nothing works unless you have a generator. It took six weeks to restore power after Hurricane Andrew roared through Key Largo. As of Friday, crews are working hard to restore power in Vero Beach. Power is slowly being brought back online. I know everyone is grateful.
Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas are still dealing with the aftermath from Hurricane Helene. Now, others have Milton to contend with. Until the hurricane season ends, many of us will have some sleepless nights. We will continue to worry about storms developing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic.
****
I’m saddened by all the photos I’ve seen on the internet. I’m sharing some images of what our once lovely Vero Beach looks like since the tornadoes. We were among the lucky ones not in the path of the tornadoes. As far as we know, our friends were spared from the destruction as well.
Since moving back to Florida, we have planned three trips where we left just before a hurricane made landfall. There was Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane Irma, and now Hurricane Milton. Unfortunately, I don’t believe they will be the last. It is hard to insure homes in Florida now. I can’t imagine what it will be like in the future.
Oh Karen, I’m so glad you are safe and were out of harm’s way. The photos you shared are heart wrenching. I have been praying for all those impacted by these catastrophic hurricanes and have donated to Samaritan’s Purse and the Red Cross. I hope your home isn’t damaged, please keep us posted.
It’s good to hear from you Karen – I was thinking of you yesterday, when you didn’t post. My thoughts and prayers are with all the people of Florida after this dreadful disaster.
I am so thankful you and your husband made it safely out before the storm hit. It is heartbreaking to see all the destruction in Florida that has occurred due to the hurricanes of late. Please stay safe and keep us posted.
Karen, happy that you were safe. We know tornadoes all too well in Alabama…they happen suddenly with unbelievable wind speeds! The devastation in Vero Beach is heartbreaking! Prayers continue for all who have been impacted
by the catastrophic Helene and Milton hurricanes! I hope your home is ok!
Hello Karen, I just came back from MA and was thinking about you during this destruction. Glad to hear you are both well, and hoping that your beautiful town can get back to how it was!
Karen, thanks for this accounting of the damage in Vero. I had no idea it was so severe. We watched the drama unfold from the safety of Vermont as we received dozens of tornado warnings on our phone. We were very aware of the potential for damage, but nothing says it more than these photos and the reports from St. Lucie County. Florida has a history of rebounding quickly, but unfortunately, we can’t control the cost of living here. Insurance may be a thing of the past. I’m glad your neighborhood survived and that you are okay. Apparently, our electricity was out for two days. We came home yesterday and accessed things – all is well with us. Just a little cleanup in the yard and a few items to pitch from the refrigerator. We feel grateful.
What a terrible thing! So glad you’re ok, but my, these two back-to-back horrendous storms are going to take such a long time to recover from, some places never I’m sure.
Oh my. This is terrible. I’m so glad you are Ok. I can’t imagine dealing with all this loss and destruction.
Such devastation, how fortunate for you that you were away. I hope your home didn’t suffer too much damage
You must have a sixth sense
I am so glad you are safe. The photos you share are horrible and so sad. I have donated to a Red Cross and Samaritan’s Purse. I continue to pray for all!
It looks and sounds horrific and it’s amazing that there’s not more loss of life, Karen. I know that doesn’t make it any easier for those who have to deal with the aftermath. So sorry for them xx
Glad you were able to leave before the storm. So sad to see these photos! Hopefully people will be able to recover from this devastation.
Karen, I’m so glad you are safe. Thank you so much for posting these pictures and telling us about your hurricane experiences. I had no idea there was so much destruction in Vero Beach. My heart goes out to everyone who lost their homes or suffered major damage because of these powerful storms this year. Hopefully the power will be restored quickly and the recovery can begin soon.
I am so glad you and your husband are safe! My heart goes out to all those who have lost everything.
Oh my dear friend I am so glad you were spared. The destruction of nature is truly incomprehensible. I grew up in Tornado Alley in northern Indiana in the 60s and the scars and scares still stay with me. So much so that when we have tornado warnings now here in central NY, I have PTSD panic attacks. We never had these storms like this here. Now they are becoming common. I will keep you and all those who were affected in my prayers. Sending you love and light.
Gosh…those photos are breaking my heart..I can’t imagine what people have been through. I am so happy that you are safe.
angiesrecipes
http://angiesrecipes.blogspot.com
Glad to know you are safe and that your home wasn’t hit too. The damage is devastating – the power of nature is humbling. Hope you can both now still enjoy your holiday Karen. Safe travels!
Karen, thanks for sharing your post and the images. I’m grateful that tornadoes are not common in Australia. We have tropical cyclones which often cause similar devastation.
I’m so pleased you’re okay, Karen. I did think about you and almost emailed. But what shocking and sad photos.
To think the tornadoes did so much damage after the storm – terrifying pictures I can only imagine and feel for those who were affected. Glad you were not there during the hurricane – I couldn’t go through that. Why I never moved to Florida… Family was safe in Florida and little damage but in Augusta they got hit pretty hard.
My heart goes out to those impacted from these storms. I grew up in Illinois and am well aware of the destruction caused by tornadoes. It will definitely take time for all to recover. I’m glad you are well and that your property wasn’t damaged. 🙏
Karen, I am so glad you are safe. what a disaster Milton made of so many lives and property. It is heart breaking to see the damage. Prayers for all involved.
So glad you’re all ok. Our hearts go out to those impacted by this. ❤️
Good to know that you – and your home – are safe. I can’t imagine dealing with a disaster like that. As weather patterns get more and more crazy, I’m afraid that this will happen again and again. And, as you mentioned, many people can’t even afford to insure their homes anymore.
The destruction is terrible and shocking! I think the tornadoes are the worst part of hurricanes because they are so random and unexpected. Here’s hoping that is it for this storm season and we can get back to Florida sunshine soon (we live nearby in Palm Bay).
Good to hear you are okay, and I hope your home was not in a direct path. The photos are heart wrenching, and the families who lost loved ones will never be the same. I was just reading about State farm refusing to insure people in certain areas of CA because of the fires so I’m guessing you’re right that insurance companies will have some kind of response to this terrible path of destruction in FL.
It’s heartbreaking to hear of the devastation and see the amount of damage to a once beautiful coastal community. I’m very glad to know you’re safe but I so deeply feel for all those that have lost everything. Sending prayers and loving thoughts. 🙏
What a horrendous thing to endure. I’m glad to hear you’re safe. Sending prayers!
I was thinking of you Karen when both of the hurricanes hit land. I didn’t hear about the tornadoes. How horrible ! Thank you for sharing.
The devastation is absolutely heartbreaking. As you know, we just experienced Helene…and it has forever changed the landscape here in Asheville. Power, internet, water, etc was out for 10 days, but we’re slowly getting back to “normal.” It will take months and years to rebuild…but we’ll do it! Glad you guys were safe for Milton.
Oh Karen, I’m so grateful you are okay and so sorry for the losses of so many!
So glad to know you’re safe. It is indeed heartbreaking to see all the damage done by these tornadoes and hurricanes in the last couple weeks.
Good LORD Karen! I appreciate you sharing these photos, Ive seen none of this on National News. I remember being horrified when Andrew hit Florida. Watching from Colorado I simply couldn’t believe it was happening. Growing in in Kansas, I’ve been in three tornadoes. They’re extremely frightening … I’ve never seen anything like this.
Glad you’re safe. Thankfully other Florida friends are, too, though some of still without power. Best wishes to all for a full and speedy recovery.
So scary! I’m glad you and your husband are safe.
Oh Karen, I’m so grateful that you and your husband are safe! Your photos of Vero Beach are truly heartbreaking. Our hearts are with everyone affected by the hurricanes and tornadoes. Long ago, my hometown here in the Midwest experienced a devastating tornado. I will never forget that storm and its aftermath. Sending prayers and strength for all those affected by these disasters! Please keep us all updated as Vero Beach begins to rebuild. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Glad you are both safe. Life is so precious and the weather is so unpredictable. Continuing prayers to all that were affected. Healthy World Cuisine
I’m so glad you and your husband were safe from Milton, Karen. Helene and Milton were monsters. Down here in Texas some coastal towns never completely came back from Harvey in 2017, and we pray another terrible storm steers clear of our coast for many years to come. Praying for everyone who’s got to rebuild their lives now. 💙
So thankful you are safe, Karen! These photos of the damages are horrifying. Can’t imagine people are going through… my prayers are with all the people in Florida.
I’m so sorry to hear about the devastation. It’s heartbreaking to see such a beautiful town experience this kind of destruction, especially when it happens so unexpectedly. I can only imagine how difficult it is for everyone affected, and it must be surreal for you, having experienced the aftermath of storms like Andrew. It’s a relief that you and your husband are safe, but my thoughts are with all those who suffered loss and damage. Rebuilding after something like this takes time, but I’m sure the resilience of your community will shine through.
The photos sure provide a dramatic view of the devastation. Happily you and your friends are all safe.