The Possible Impact of Hurricane Milton on the 2024 ICF SUP World Championships in Sarasota.
As Hurricane Milton barrels toward the Gulf Coast, the Sarasota region is bracing for potentially devastating impacts. Forecasts indicate that Milton could bring severe wind speeds, torrential rainfall, and significant storm surges, all of which could inflict widespread damage on this vibrant coastal community. While Sarasota is no stranger to hurricanes, the intensity and timing of Hurricane Milton could make it one of the most catastrophic storms in recent memory for the area.
The Threat of Storm Surge and Flooding
One of the most pressing concerns for Sarasota is the threat of storm surges, which can cause extreme flooding in coastal areas. As Milton gains strength, it’s expected to push large volumes of water onto land, particularly in low-lying areas like Sarasota. The city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico makes it especially vulnerable, with areas near the bay and the many waterways in and around the city at significant risk.
A storm surge of even a few feet can result in catastrophic flooding, swamping homes, businesses, and vital infrastructure. Sarasota’s coastal neighborhoods, including those near Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Longboat Key, could face severe inundation, leaving residents displaced and properties damaged beyond repair. Forecasters are saying a storm surge of 15′ (5m) is within the realm of possibility. The highest point above sea lever on Sarasota is 16′ above sea level according to Wikipedia. The aftermath of such flooding could take months to recover from, if not longer, depending on the extent of the storm’s power.
Impact on Infrastructure and Services
Hurricane Milton could also devastate Sarasota’s key infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water systems. The storm’s combination of heavy rainfall and winds may lead to the collapse of bridges, the washing away of roadways, and the destruction of critical utilities. Access to essential services such as hospitals, fire departments, and police stations may be severely limited in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
While Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, the timing of this storm presents unique challenges for the ICF SUP World Championships and athletes, many of whom are preparing for one of the most prestigious stand-up paddle (SUP) events of the year.
Event Planning Under Pressure
With the World Championships only weeks away, the arrival of Hurricane Milton could force significant adjustments to the event. Even if the storm weakens before making landfall, Sarasota could still experience heavy rainfall, flooding, and storm surges, all of which would directly affect the venue.
Speaking out of our own experience, even with the ICF Event held a bit more than 5 weeks after landfall, depending on how severe infrastructure is damaged, 5 weeks is a drop in the bucked in the recovery process this area will be facing.
Given the fact that there are more and more people signed up for the even there might be logistical issues with board transport and vacation rentals that athletes might have booked. As of right now Wednesday afternoon October 9th there are 362 athletes signed up for the sprint race. Recent sign up are names like Noic Garioud Christian Andersen, Blue Ewer and Cameron Tripney.
For now we keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best for the people in the greater Tampa area, sending our ALOHA from Lahaina. A town that has burnt to the ground more than a year ago and is still far from getting back to normal.