Officials in Tampa have made the decision to suspend emergency services as Hurricane Milton unleashes winds exceeding 100 mph in the area. The city's fire chief, Barbara Tripp, emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of first responders before resuming operations.
Chief Tripp explained the rationale behind the temporary halt, stating, 'We had to cease all services because it’s too dangerous to put first responders out on the road.' She highlighted the significant power outages affecting numerous residents in Tampa, attributing them to the impact of Hurricane Milton.
In addition to the powerful winds exceeding 100 mph, Chief Tripp pointed out that gusts of up to 70 mph were also being experienced in the area. Given the safety protocols in place, emergency units are unable to operate effectively in winds surpassing 40 mph.
The dire situation has left approximately 400,000 individuals in Tampa without power, further underscoring the severity of Hurricane Milton's impact on the city. Chief Tripp's assessment of the situation indicates that the storm is making its presence felt in Tampa with significant force.
