On this day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire raged for two days, killing up to 300 people, destroying more than 17,000 buildings, leaving 100,000 homeless, and causing an estimated $200 million in damages.
Hurricane Milton Upgraded to Category 5
Hurricane Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 storm with 175 mph winds, threatening Florida’s Gulf Coast with potential 12-foot storm surges, and is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay on Wednesday.
Officials are preparing for what could be the largest evacuation since Hurricane Irma in 2017, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Florida.
Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties and announced preparations, including stockpiling water and fuel. President Biden signed a disaster declaration Monday, authorizing federal aid for over 30 Florida counties.
My brother-in-law has decided to stay…. pray all is well.
