We bought a house in Florida a year ago and then Hurricane Milton hit us

• Natalie Schwartz, an early interventionist, bought a house in Wesley Chapel, Florida, last year.
• As Hurricane Milton tore through their neighborhood, she’s now hanging on to her new home.
• Schwartz said she couldn’t sleep with the high winds and fallen trees on her street.

This essay, as stated, is based on a conversation at 11pm ET with Natalie Schwartz, 24, who lives in suburban Tampa. Schwartz shelters in her new home amid Hurricane Milton. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Since I’ve lived here, I’ve never had anxiety about a hurricane.

But with this, this whole experience caused anxiety.

My house is new – my husband and I built it last year and moved in January. I paid around $540,000 for it.

We do not have flood insurance. But our house hasn’t flooded yet – so far, we’re seeing wind damage.

I am concerned about the roof and exterior of my house. I don’t know if something slammed into the door or the side of the house.

I know we had a big tree fall in our yard earlier. I have several palm trees in my yard that have several broken branches.

This is definitely the most intense storm I have ever experienced.

I was sitting in the pantry with my husband, mother, grandfather and aunt. But I had to get out because I had five people and three dogs in there and it was too hot and claustrophobic.

I should probably still be there, to be honest.

My mom, grandpa, and aunt were actually on vacation this week. They weren’t supposed to be here – they don’t live here. But they were visiting and got stuck here, so they’re dealing with their first hurricane.

My grandfather is 86 years old and has never experienced anything like this. He wanted to leave two days ago, but it was not possible because there were no departing flights.

I’m watching the trees explode as we speak. I look at my neighbors across the street and it’s dark.

Our lights have been going on and off for several hours. We keep thinking that we will lose power. I’m shocked I haven’t because so many friends and family members say they have no power.

To be honest, I’m very worried. My husband went to bed, but I don’t think I can sleep yet.

I couldn’t sleep because of Helene, who woke me up all night with the wind.

And I know I’m not sleeping tonight.