Why was the weakening of Hurricane Milton from Category 3 to Category 2 still concerning for residents in Florida?

• The power grid was already damaged before the storm made landfall.

• Category 2 storms still pose significant risks, including flooding and power outages.

• It caused all local shelters to close down.

• The storm became unpredictable after weakening.

What can be inferred about the speed of Milton’s movement inland based on the details about power outages?

• The storm is moving slowly, which causes power outages to accumulate gradually.

• The storm is moving quickly, which is why power outages doubled in three hours.

• Milton is affecting only coastal areas.

• Power outages are a secondary concern during the storm’s movement.

What does Anderson Cooper’s description of Bradenton suggest about the flooding situation there?

• The flooding was caused primarily by rivers overflowing.

• The floodwaters rose unpredictably and quickly, making conditions hazardous.

• The flooding was temporary and receded within hours.

• Water levels stayed the same throughout the storm.

Why does Randi Kaye express concerns about potential damage from storm surges in Sarasota?

• Sarasota is close to the coast, and storm surges often affect coastal areas first.

• The downtown area is built on low ground, which makes it particularly vulnerable.

• The storm surges are expected to increase the storm’s wind intensity.

• The nearby mountains could trap storm surges in the valley.

What does the continued intensity of winds in Sarasota suggest about the progression of the storm?

• The storm is stalling over Sarasota, causing prolonged damage.

• The storm is weakening rapidly but remains dangerous due to earlier damages.

• The eye of the storm has already passed through Sarasota.

• Sarasota has escaped the worst of the storm, but residual winds are a problem.

What structural vulnerabilities are revealed by the collapse of the tower crane in St. Petersburg?

• The downtown area was not adequately prepared for high winds.

• The tower crane was not built to withstand tropical storm conditions.

• Cranes are inherently weak in any hurricane scenario.

• St. Petersburg's construction regulations are stricter than other areas.

What is the significance of the report that no injuries were associated with the tower crane collapse in St. Petersburg?

• It shows that evacuation protocols in the city worked effectively.

• It highlights a stroke of luck rather than preparedness.

• It suggests that fewer people were in the area due to prior warnings.

• It reflects how quickly emergency services responded.

Why might Tropicana Field’s roof damage in St. Petersburg be particularly concerning for officials?

• The stadium is an emergency shelter, and damage could force people to relocate.

• The stadium is a critical infrastructure point for sporting events.

• It demonstrates the vulnerability of older buildings in the area.

• The field is located in a flood-prone zone that worsens damage.

What rhetorical strategy does Brian Todd use to describe the situation in Tampa, and why is it effective?

• He uses vivid imagery to create a sense of immediacy and urgency.

• He compares the storm to past hurricanes to give it context.

• He focuses on technical details about weather systems to inform residents.

• He downplays the risks to keep people calm.

What might explain the decision for Brian Todd and his crew to evacuate from Tampa Bay?

• The winds had calmed down, making it safe to move.

• The water pressure on the seawall and horizontal rain signaled a worsening storm.

• They had been ordered to evacuate by emergency services.

• Power outages made it impossible for them to continue broadcasting.