The Take Another Take: Two hurricanes in two weeks – life after Milton and Helene
Oct 4, 2025
In this episode, award-winning journalist Natasha Del Toro shares her harrowing experience of surviving back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton, in Florida. She reflects on the emotional impact of displacement and the chaotic aftermath as families struggle to rebuild. Natasha describes her frantic efforts to salvage belongings during flooding and the challenges of evacuation amidst storm warnings. Furthermore, she addresses the broader implications of climate change on future hurricane intensity, questioning if residents will remain in an increasingly perilous environment.
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Personal Displacement And Delayed Return
- Natasha Del Toro and her partner lost use of their home after back-to-back hurricanes and stayed with family and in Airbnbs while still paying their mortgage.
- They only moved back nearly a year later and described relief mixed with guilt for being luckier than many neighbors.
Surprise From Afar: Seeing Your Home Flooded
- Natasha was in New York when photos from neighbors showed her car underwater and water rising to her front door.
- She realized the storm surge had unexpectedly flooded her neighborhood despite calm local weather where she was at the time.
Holding A House Afloat On A Sofa
- Miles, Natasha's partner and a first responder, floated on a sofa as three feet of stormwater filled their house and salvaged what he could.
- Natasha knew from his video that most of their belongings were ruined and that their home would be destroyed.