A Clare travel counsellor claims the devastation visited upon Florida and surrounding areas in recent days highlights the importance of having travel disruption insurance.
Although its been downgraded since making landfall, Hurricane Milton continues to rage across the south-east region of the United States, causing power outages, destruction of property and an unknown number of deaths so far.
Florida has experienced three hurricanes in a single hurricane season just five previous times since 1871 and this year marks the sixth, with Milton following Francine and Helene.
Since landing near Siesta Key in Florida, the National Hurricane Centre has downgraded Milton from a Category Three storm to a Category One, but its effects are widespread.
More than 3 million people in the state are experiencing power outages while 16 inches of rain have been recorded in one area, and emergency services have rescued people from under debris and overturned vehicles.
In addition, a mobile home retirement community has found itself in the path of a tornado which it’s reported has led to a number of deaths.
Chief Meteorologist at US meteorological consulting firm Weather Tiger, Dr Ryan Truchelut has told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that despite the hurricane being milder than anticipated, locals are justifiably fearing for their lives.
All flights have been cancelled between Ireland and Florida in response to the risk to public safety in the US state.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has urged Irish citizens in the area to “follow any advice given by local officials and evacuate if told to do so”.
Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast has been particularly affected by flooding, and the city’s Mayor has warned this morning that the worst isn’t over.
Ennis travel counsellor Gearoid Mannion says the events of this week show how crucial it is to unsure your travel insurance covers unforeseen weather events.
You can listen to the full interview here:
