CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Charlotte County are urging residents to remain off the roads as emergency crews begin damage assessments and clear obstructions left by Hurricane Milton. Authorities emphasized that downed power lines, debris, and non-functioning traffic signals present significant dangers, making travel hazardous in the aftermath of the storm.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management warned that the period following the storm can be the most dangerous due to road conditions. “The deadliest time of a hurricane happens post-storm,” the agencies stated, citing risks such as downed power lines and loss of traffic signals. Crews are currently working to make thoroughfares passable and responding to emergency calls.
“Please stay off the roads,” the sheriff’s office stated on Thursday, noting that emergency services can respond more efficiently without having to navigate through traffic. The county’s initial focus is on clearing roads and identifying areas with the most significant damage and flooding.
Although storm surge projections reached as high as 15 feet, officials expressed relief that such levels were not realized. “We are grateful that those amounts did not occur,” the sheriff’s office said, adding that while the county avoided the worst-case scenario, the potential for similar threats in future storms should not be dismissed.
Residents are advised to monitor updates through the county’s emergency management website for information on road closures and recovery resources. Authorities will continue to provide safety updates as damage assessments progress.