Hurricane Milton has spawned dozens of tornadoes and is estimated to have dumped more than a foot of rain across Midwest Florida, but sinkholes are a common sight in many counties right now.
Large sinkholes were reported in both Polk and Hillsborough counties, and local officials warned residents to remain vigilant in the storm's aftermath, as the terrain could expand without warning.
photograph Shared by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Pipes, portions of sidewalks and driveways were all shown to have been eaten away by a sinkhole in a residential area southeast of Tampa.
The sheriff's office reported no damage to any homes, and roads into the area were blocked off with signs and warning tape.
Local residents said the location of the event meant they were effectively trapped in their neighborhood and had to wade through a huge sinkhole.
It was a similar scene further east in Polk County, where a gaping hole appeared between two homes in the community between Lakeland and Zephyrhills.
the owner of a house said FOX 13 in Tampa When the garden started to become disorganized in the middle of the night, the family dog woke her up by barking.
No injuries were reported, but the truck and part of the garage were stuck in the hole, potentially causing further damage to the neighborhood.
Central Florida is no stranger to such occurrences and is often referred to as the sinkhole capital of the United States.
meanwhile Tropical Storm Debbie, 2012dozens of sinkholes occurred across north and central Florida.
When heavy rains occur, sinkholes can form due to the increased weight of the topsoil, which can lead to underground erosion and cavity formation.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, long-term weathering of limestone plays a key role in changing the landscape.
Sinkholes and holes caused by broken drains, septic tanks, and improperly compacted soil are often incorrectly classified as sinkholes.
According to the Chief Financial OfficerAlthough not all homeowners insurance policies offer coverage for sinkholes, all licensed insurance companies in the state are required to offer special coverage.
