University of Tampa student evacuates to North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A University of Tampa student from North Haven was able to evacuate to home before Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday.

“We had no idea that the hurricane was going to hit, so [I] came home with a backpack just until Sunday, we were planning on staying,” Sophia Mastriano said. “Then, we ended up getting stuck here.

Hurricane Milton has killed at least 16 so far, and about 2 million people in Florida are still without power.

“It was definitely a little scary, considering all the things from the news channel and the mayor of Tampa saying how bad the storm is going to be,” said Allie Channing, a student.

Mastriano was able to find a flight home before the storm hit.

It’s the second hurricane they’ve had to deal with in two weeks, after Hurricane Helene caught people off-guard.

“It’s nerve wracking, because you panic,” said Kate O’Hallorian, a student. “You don’t know what to do, so you have to figure out in 20 minutes, and you have that feeling of ‘Now what?'”

Mastriano said that the videos of campus show that it’s damaged, but not destroyed. The university has lifted the evacuation order, and the students are allowed to return to class on Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.