Hurricane Milton Leaves Florida Neighborhood With Giant Sinkhole

A sinkhole has formed in the Chandler Estates area of Apopka, Florida, following a water main break caused by Hurricane Milton.

Local news reporters have engaged with residents to gather information about the damage affecting their community. The sinkhole is not just a minor inconvenience; it signifies the deeper issues arising from severe weather events like hurricanes.

Sinkhole Spotted in Tampa Neighborhood

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has reported a separate sinkhole incident that emerged in their jurisdiction as a direct result of Hurricane Milton. This sinkhole has formed behind a residential area in District 5 of Tampa.

Although the precise address has not been disclosed, authorities are warning residents to stay vigilant for any downed power lines. They advise waiting until daylight to assess the extent of the damages safely.

On the same day, two homes in Polk County were threatened by another sinkhole that seemed poised to engulf them. This occurred on Willow Wisp Drive in Kathleen, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton as it moved across the state.

Fortunately, both residents were home during the incident and managed to evacuate without injury.

However, the situation remains dire. A part of one homeowner's garage collapsed, trapping their SUV inside. In an interview with FOX 13, a neighbor mentioned that the homeowner had believed parking the vehicle in the garage would provide safety during the storm.

Additionally, the sidewalk in front of a neighboring home also fell into a sinkhole, causing significant disruption.

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What is a Sinkhole?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a sink hole is a natural phenomenon characterized by a depression in the ground that lacks any external drainage. This means that during rainfall, all the water collects in the sinkhole and seeps into the ground below. Sinkholes frequently occur in regions known as "karst terrain," where geological formations, particularly limestone, are present. Florida is particularly prone to sinkholes due to its extensive limestone bedrock.

As rainwater seeps through the soil, certain types of rock begin to dissolve, creating underground spaces and caverns. This process is gradual, and the surface can remain stable for a long time before the ground suddenly collapses into the void below.

The collapse can occur unexpectedly, catching residents off guard and leading to property damage or worse. Sinkholes are not just a local issue; they can have significant implications for communities, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall and hurricanes.

Residents may find themselves facing displacement, property loss and the emotional toll that comes with such disasters. In many cases, insurance may not cover the damage caused by sinkholes, leaving families to bear the financial burden.

READ MORE: Tropical Storm Nadine: Forecasters Monitor Another Potential Cyclone Hitting Florida After Milton