Residents of Tampa are facing significant challenges following the impact of Hurricane Milton, with power blackouts and gas shortages being among the primary concerns. Mayor Jane Castor addressed these issues at a news conference, emphasizing the city's efforts to mitigate the situation.
Mayor Castor revealed that a substantial 65% of traffic lights in Tampa are currently non-operational due to power outages. To manage the resulting traffic disruptions, police officers have been deployed to the majority of affected intersections to assist with traffic control.
In addition to power-related problems, parts of south Tampa are still grappling with flooded roadways. The mayor highlighted that certain areas in the city experienced flooding due to pump and generator failures, further complicating the recovery process.
While there is an ample gas supply available at the port, the challenge lies in transporting it to gas stations due to flooding around storage tanks. Mayor Castor urged residents to limit unnecessary travel to conserve energy resources during this critical period.
Efforts are underway to address the gas distribution issue, with crews actively pumping rainwater from around the storage tanks. The city aims to dispatch three fuel trucks from the port today, focusing on delivering fuel to areas severely impacted by Hurricane Milton.
The situation in Tampa remains fluid as authorities work diligently to restore essential services and address the aftermath of the storm. Residents are advised to stay informed and cooperate with emergency directives to ensure a swift recovery process.
