Hurricane Milton
October 9, 2024
Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful and destructive tropical Cyclone which became the second-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico, behind only Hurricane Rita in 2005. Milton made landfall on the west coast of Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the state’s Big Bend area. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Wednesday October 9th, approximately 8:30pm, the eye of Hurricane Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, spawning a deadly tornado outbreak and causing widespread flooding throughout the state. At one point, 3 million people in Florida were without power.
13 utility systems requested support through WaterTracker during Hurricane Milton. That support was provided by FRWA staff and 11 different utilities from both rural and urban systems around the state.
There were over 100 small utilities without power requesting generators. These needs were too large for FlaWARN and FRWA, so FlaWARN worked with State EOC officials (ESF 3) to have TECO respond to those power needs.
Hurricane Helene
September 25, 2024
Hurricane Helene became a hurricane early on September 25. More pronounced and rapid intensification ensued as Helene traversed the Gulf of Mexico reaching Category 4 intensity on the evening of September 26.
Late on September 26, Helene made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph near the city of Perry in the Big Bend region of Florida. Rapid weakening occurred as the storm tracked inland, and by the time Helene reached Georgia the next day, it had weakened into a Category 2. Weakening further, it became a tropical storm over east central Georgia a few hours later.
43 utilities requested support during Helene, the majority were rural communities. That support was provided by FRWA staff, as well as 17 utilities from both rural and urban systems around the state.
Hurricane Ian
“Staff and myself are greatly appreciative of the speed and thoroughness of your team’s efforts. Our City thanks you all!!!” – Richard Moulton, City of Fort Myers
Hurricane Laura
FlaWARN recieved An Expression of Commendation for Hurricane Relief Efforts during the 2020 hurricane season from Louisiana Rep. Ryan Bourriaque. Read the Expression of Commendation.
Hurricane Michael
2018 was one of the most challenging years for FlaWARN partners when Hurricane Michael made landfall in the Panhandle.
FlaWARN recieved over 90 requests for assistance with more than 375 responders. Florida also recieved help from Mississippi RWA, Arkansas RWA, Alabama RWA, Louisiana RWA and RCAP.
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