National Weather Service meteorologist Tyler Fleming explained that the massive storm surge created record floods. And the water levels aren’t expected to drop significantly for days.
The search and rescue operations are still ongoing. By Monday it was reported that more than 1,000 people were rescued from areas flooded by storm surges along Florida’s southwestern coast.
So far 47 storm-related deaths have been reported in Florida. 3 people died in Cuba. And four deaths occurred in North Carolina.
Areas are still isolated due to flooded roads. And bridges have been washed-out to barrier islands leaving survivors inaccessible.
The cell phone and internet coverage are spotty. And it is hoped that the SpaceX satellite system will help in the search efforts.
Florida utilities were working to restore power. As of Sunday morning, nearly 850,000 homes and businesses were still without electricity. Initially, after the storm hit, over 2.5 million had their power down.
