Claire MacFlynn, a resident of Florida for eight years originally from Swatragh in Northern Ireland, shared her experience of evacuating after seeing a drone video posted by a local sheriff in Tampa showing clear roads. The video prompted her decision to flee the path of Hurricane Milton, which has left many Irish people, including Claire, caught in its fury.
Another Irish woman, Claire Foley-O’Connor from Sligo, has been living in Florida for over 51 years and is also planning to move to Wisconsin as the catastrophic storm approaches. She expressed her anxiety about the situation, describing it as resembling a “war zone” with empty shelves in supermarkets and a lack of essential supplies.
While Tampa Mayor issued a stark warning urging locals to evacuate, some residents like Ms. Foley-O’Connor have chosen to stay despite the impending danger. She highlighted the eerie atmosphere with dark skies and no signs of life, indicating the approaching storm.
Leah McDaid, a 23-year-old from Donegal living in Lakeland, just east of Tampa, is preparing for the hurricane with family friends but has decided to hunker down instead of evacuating. She shared her concerns about potential flooding and high winds, emphasizing the severity of this storm compared to previous experiences.
With Taoiseach Simon Harris in Washington to meet President Joe Biden, the planned events have been postponed due to Hurricane Milton. The Taoiseach expressed his concern for Irish residents in Florida and assured that the consulate in Miami is ready to provide assistance and support during this challenging time.
As Hurricane Milton continues to pose a threat to Florida, residents like Claire MacFlynn, Claire Foley-O’Connor, and Leah McDaid are preparing for the worst while seeking safety and support in the face of this natural disaster. The impact of the hurricane serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community resilience in times of crisis.
