TAMPA, Fla. (NewsNation) — Florida officials are warning the public to avoid floodwaters caused by Hurricane Milton, saying a myriad of dangers are lurking in murky water.
Frank Robb, an alligator expert and founder of the nonprofit group Environmental Education Awareness Research Support and Services (EEARSS), told NewsNation the dangers you face largely depend on where you live.
“If you’re coastal, you have to worry about everything from stingrays to alligators, you know. If you’re in South Florida, you gotta think about crocodiles, snakes — of course,” Robb said. “It’s definitely something to be aware of and keep on your mind.”
The worst storm surge appeared to be in Sarasota County, where it was 8 to 10 feet — lower than in the worst place during Helene. The storm also dumped up to 18 inches of rain in some areas.
Robb recommends avoiding floodwaters at all costs but has advice for those who need to venture outside.
“Obviously, if it’s not water you can see through, you probably shouldn’t be wading through it,” he said. “If you have to walk through it, carry a walking stick, something to put in front of you to feel where you’re going.”
Robb cautioned, however, that the most dangerous things dwelling in the depths of the dark water aren’t likely to be animals.
“You should be worried about microscopic organisms and bacteria. Those are the things to be really concerned about,” he said. “Wildlife is going to be wildlife no matter what. The last thing they want to do is have an interaction with you. Again, it’s the bacteria, pathogens and things of that nature that should really be on people’s mind.”