Reading Time: 3 minutesFORT MYERS, Fla. — Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm in the southwestern Gulf, with winds exceeding 180 mph. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a storm surge warning for coastal areas of Southwest Florida, including 5-10 feet of surge expected in Lee and Charlotte counties. Collier County could see 4-7 feet. A hurricane warning is in place for parts of the west coast of Florida, covering Charlotte, DeSoto, and Lee counties, while a hurricane watch remains for Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties.

As of the 2 a.m. update from the NHC, Hurricane Milton’s sustained winds reached 155 mph. The storm slightly weakened due to an eyewall replacement cycle, downgrading it to Category 4. The central pressure sits at 924 mb, and the storm is moving eastward at 9 mph. Milton is located approximately 585 miles southwest of Tampa.

Milton is projected to move toward the western coast of Florida over the next few days, likely making landfall on Wednesday evening as a major hurricane. Although it is forecast to weaken to a Category 3 due to wind shear, significant life-threatening impacts are still expected. The forecast cone from the NHC shows where the storm’s center is most likely to track. Focusing solely on the cone’s center could mislead individuals into underestimating the storm’s impact. Those within the cone’s southern range could experience stronger winds and greater storm surge.

For coastal regions under mandatory evacuation orders, officials urge residents to evacuate immediately due to the threat of rising water levels. Storm surge could reach 5-10 feet in Charlotte and Lee counties, including areas along the Peace River and Caloosahatchee River. Collier County’s coastal areas, such as Vanderbilt Beach, also face dangerous flooding risks. Water levels may rise high enough to submerge structures in these regions. Residents should not underestimate the danger posed by wind and rain either. Gusts exceeding 75 mph are expected along Southwest Florida’s coast, with tropical storm-strength winds impacting portions of Hendry and eastern Collier counties.

South Florida is already experiencing a tropical air mass, boosting rainfall chances ahead of Hurricane Milton’s landfall. The NHC has issued a Flood Watch for the entire region through Thursday morning. Excessive rainfall of 4 to 8 inches or more is expected, which could lead to the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other flood-prone areas.

Milton’s rapid movement through the Gulf means that there won’t be a long waiting period for storm impacts. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to arrive in Florida by 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Residents should complete outdoor preparations by Tuesday evening.

Residents in Southwest Florida are urged to stay updated through local news outlets and the NHC. Evacuation orders, storm surge updates, and other vital information will continue to be issued as the storm approaches.

Reading Time: 5 minutesMadonna’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, has passed away at the age of 63, following a battle with cancer. The news of his death was confirmed by a representative on Sunday, October 6, 2024, revealing that Christopher died peacefully in Michigan on Friday. The bond between Madonna and Christopher was a long and complex one, characterized by both deep affection and publicized tension. Despite their differences, they reconciled in the final years of Christopher’s life, a journey of healing that Madonna reflected on in an emotional statement shared with her fans and followers.

In her heartfelt tribute, Madonna, now 66, expressed both grief and love for her brother. She recalled the unique connection they shared from a young age, describing how their love of dance helped them cope with the challenges of growing up in a small Midwestern town. “My brother Christopher is gone. He was the closest human to me for so long,” Madonna said. “It’s hard to explain our bond, but it grew out of an understanding that we were different and society was going to give us a hard time for not following the status quo.”

Madonna highlighted that dance became a lifeline for them both, a means of survival during a difficult childhood. “We took each other’s hands and we danced through the madness of our childhood. In fact, dance was a kind of superglue that held us together,” she reflected, emphasizing how their shared passion for movement brought them solace and unity.

A Complex Relationship Repaired in the Face of Tragedy

Madonna and Christopher Ciccone’s relationship was far from simple. Over the years, they experienced significant ups and downs, with their once close bond deteriorating after public fallouts. One of the most well-known rifts occurred after the publication of Christopher’s 2008 memoir, Life With My Sister Madonna, in which he candidly discussed their relationship and the tensions that arose between them.

Christopher’s book offered a behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s life, and its release reportedly caused a great deal of pain for the singer. At the time, Madonna’s representative, Liz Rosenberg, stated that the pop icon found it “very upsetting” that Christopher decided to write and sell a book centered on their relationship. Rosenberg noted that the publication of the memoir seemed to permanently strain their connection, saying, “I would have to assume she has come to terms with the fact that they do not have a close and loving relationship.”

In his memoir, Christopher accused Madonna of outing him as gay in a 1991 interview with The Advocate. He also described how the relationship between him and his sister began to deteriorate when she married filmmaker Guy Ritchie in 2000. Christopher alleged that Ritchie held homophobic views, which created further strain within their family dynamic. Additionally, Christopher expressed deep hurt over Madonna’s decision to bring cameras to their mother’s grave for her 1991 documentary, Truth or Dare, an act he felt crossed a line and altered his opinion of her.

Despite these tensions, Madonna revealed in her recent statement that the two siblings reconnected in the wake of Christopher’s illness. “The last few years have not been easy,” she said. “We did not speak for some time, but when my brother got sick, we found our way back to each other.” This reconciliation appears to have been a meaningful one for both siblings, with Madonna making every effort to support her brother through his battle with cancer.

“I did my best to keep him alive as long as possible,” Madonna wrote, noting that Christopher endured considerable pain in the final stages of his illness. In a poignant moment, she shared that they were able to relive their childhood bond one last time before his death: “Once again, we held hands, we closed our eyes, and we danced. Together.”

Christopher Ciccone’s Legacy: An Artist, Designer, and Director

Christopher Ciccone was a multifaceted artist who left an indelible mark on the worlds of design, art, and entertainment. He worked closely with his sister during the early years of her career, playing an integral role in the visual direction of some of her most iconic tours. Christopher served as the art director for Madonna’s Blond Ambition World Tour in 1990, a groundbreaking concert tour that was lauded for its innovative staging and choreography. He was also the tour director for her The Girlie Show in 1993, further cementing his influence on her creative output.

In addition to his work with Madonna, Christopher made a name for himself as an interior designer and director. He collaborated with notable artists, including Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett, directing music videos in the 1990s. His design work was equally well-regarded, with his contributions to fashion and interior design earning him widespread recognition.

 

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Despite the fame and success he achieved, Christopher often found himself overshadowed by his sister’s larger-than-life persona. In interviews, he spoke openly about the challenges of living in Madonna’s shadow, acknowledging both the privileges and difficulties that came with being related to one of the world’s most famous entertainers. In a 2012 interview with The Evening Standard, Christopher reflected on his relationship with his sister, expressing a sense of acceptance and pride. “As far as I’m concerned, we’re good,” he said. “We are in contact with each other, although I haven’t seen her for a long time. We’re back to being a brother and sister.”

Christopher continued to praise Madonna’s legacy, stating, “I couldn’t be more proud of her. She is a force to be reckoned with. Does she have Barbra Streisand’s voice? No. Can she dance like Martha Graham? Probably not. But the combination of her abilities has made her great and left a huge legacy for her—and through her, for me.”

A Family Struck by Loss: The Death of Joan Clare Ciccone

Christopher’s death comes just weeks after the passing of his and Madonna’s stepmother, Joan Clare Ciccone. Joan died of cancer on September 24, 2024, after a brief but aggressive illness. She was married to Madonna and Christopher’s father, Silvio Ciccone, for 58 years, and her death marked another profound loss for the Ciccone family.

According to an online obituary, Joan was remembered for her warmth, enthusiasm, and the joy she brought to those around her. The tribute noted that she would be “terribly missed by her family and friends whose lives she enriched with her enthusiasm, joy, and love.”

In addition to their stepmother, Madonna and Christopher lost their brother Anthony Ciccone in February 2023. Anthony, who had struggled with homelessness and addiction for years, passed away at the age of 66. His death added to the string of family tragedies that the Ciccone siblings have faced in recent years.

Christopher Ciccone’s Final Moments: A Loving Farewell

Christopher Ciccone is survived by his husband, British hairdresser Ray Thacker, whom he married in 2016. According to his representative, Ray was by Christopher’s side during his final moments, offering love and support as he passed away peacefully. The two had shared a close and loving relationship, and Ray’s presence was a source of comfort for Christopher in his final days.

As Madonna mourns the loss of her brother, she also celebrates the life they shared. Her emotional tribute reflects the depth of their connection, despite the challenges they faced. “Once again, we held hands, we closed our eyes, and we danced. Together,” she wrote, a fitting tribute to a brother-sister bond that was defined by both struggle and love.

Christopher’s legacy as an artist, designer, and loving partner will live on, remembered by those who knew and loved him, as well as by the millions of fans who admired his work alongside his sister.

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe remnants of Hurricane Helene have left a trail of devastation across Western North Carolina, with the iconic Biltmore Estate among the many locations impacted. Torrential rains and subsequent flooding caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and tourist attractions, including one of the state’s most beloved sites. Biltmore Estate, a historic landmark known for its grandeur, has been forced to close its doors to the public until further notice. As of the latest reports, the estate is expected to remain closed until at least October 15, 2024.

Hurricane Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina

Hurricane Helene, which made its way across the Southeast, brought unprecedented rainfall to the region, triggering major flooding in North Carolina. Western parts of the state, including Asheville and the surrounding areas, were particularly hard-hit by the storm’s remnants. The Swannanoa River, located near Biltmore Village, overflowed due to the heavy downpour, flooding homes, businesses, and historical landmarks.

The damage in Asheville and nearby communities has been described as catastrophic, with many properties submerged and vital infrastructure severely compromised. Roadways, bridges, and power lines were also affected, leaving thousands without access to critical services. While the full scale of the damage is still being assessed, officials and volunteers are working tirelessly to begin the recovery process.

Biltmore Estate Closes Indefinitely Due to Flood Damage

The 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate, situated in Asheville, is one of the largest and most visited private estates in the United States. Known for its luxurious architecture, sprawling gardens, and world-class wineries, the estate is a significant tourist attraction that draws millions of visitors annually. Unfortunately, it has not been spared from Hurricane Helene’s wrath.

According to the latest updates from the Biltmore Company, the estate sustained significant damage in certain parts, particularly low-lying areas like Biltmore Village. These sections, which include the entrance and nearby buildings, experienced major flooding and structural damage. Roads throughout the property were blocked, and several buildings suffered extensive water damage. Forested areas within the estate were also heavily impacted by wind damage.

Storm damage at Biltmore Estate’s lodge gate after Hurricane Helene. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company

Though much of the estate’s destruction is still being evaluated, the Biltmore team has confirmed that the main house, Conservatory, gardens, and hotels have been largely unaffected. However, it will take time to fully assess the damage to other parts of the property, such as the farm and roads leading to the main attractions. The Biltmore Estate has expressed its commitment to recovery, but officials caution that repairs could take weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the damage.

Rescue Efforts and Animal Safety

Amid the chaos caused by Hurricane Helene, one of the estate’s top priorities was ensuring the safety of its animals. Biltmore’s agricultural and equestrian teams worked tirelessly to protect the animals housed on the property. Sadly, a few animals were lost due to the extreme weather conditions, but the majority have been accounted for and are safe. The estate expressed deep sorrow for the loss but remains grateful for the team’s efforts in safeguarding the rest of the livestock.

Recovery efforts have begun in earnest, with crews working to clear roads and remove debris from the flooded areas. These efforts are essential not only for the recovery of the estate but also for ensuring that Biltmore can reopen its doors to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so. The team remains optimistic that they will be able to restore the estate to its former glory, though it will take time.

 

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Closure and Rescheduling for Visitors

As of now, Biltmore Estate remains closed to all visitors, including Biltmore Annual Passholders, Vanderbilt Wine Club members, and Sporting Clay Club members. Guests who had planned to visit during this time are encouraged to reschedule their visit or request a refund through the Biltmore website. Those who had booked overnight stays between September 27 and October 15 have had their reservations automatically canceled, and a 12-month credit has been provided.

Biltmore has emphasized its commitment to providing updates and assistance to those affected by the closure. The estate’s team is working diligently to reschedule visits and ensure that guests can experience the magic of Biltmore once the property is safe to reopen.

Support for the Asheville Community

Beyond the boundaries of Biltmore Estate, the effects of Hurricane Helene have been devastating for the entire Asheville community. Flooding has caused significant damage in Biltmore Village, a historic area near the estate known for its charming architecture and vibrant local businesses. The River Arts District, a popular destination for art lovers, has also been severely impacted, with many galleries and studios sustaining flood damage.

The Biltmore Estate has expressed its heartfelt sympathy for the local community and has vowed to support recovery efforts in any way possible. In a recent statement, the estate’s leadership thanked the first responders, utility workers, and volunteers who have been working around the clock to assist in the recovery process. The team at Biltmore remains committed to doing their part in helping Asheville recover from this unprecedented disaster.

The group sales office at Biltmore Estate after Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina as a tropical storm. Courtesy of The Biltmore company

Looking Toward Recovery

As Western North Carolina begins the long road to recovery, there is hope that the region will bounce back stronger than ever. Biltmore Estate, with its historical significance and enduring appeal, remains a symbol of resilience for the local community. Though the damage is severe, the estate’s leadership and staff are determined to restore the property and welcome visitors back in the near future.

In the meantime, the team at Biltmore continues to work alongside local officials and organizations to provide aid to those affected by the storm. Efforts are being made to assess the full extent of the damage, clear debris, and begin the rebuilding process.

While Biltmore Estate and the surrounding areas face significant challenges, the outpouring of support from the community and beyond provides a glimmer of hope. With time and effort, Biltmore and Asheville will recover and once again be a thriving destination for tourists from around the world.