Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, south of Tampa Bay, leaving at least 10 people dead and over 3 million homes and businesses without power. The storm spawned at least 19 tornados, destroying homes in multiple counties, but fortunately weakened as it reached Florida’s east coast.

Governor Ron DeSantis stated that the state avoided the “worst-case scenario,” but the damage is still significant. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reported that the 10 deaths were likely caused by tornados. In St. Lucie County, five people were killed, including two in the senior-living Spanish Lakes Communities.

More than 3 million households were without power Thursday morning, with many still waiting for restoration after Hurricane Helene hit two weeks ago. Search-and-rescue teams are combing through hard-hit areas, including a mobile-home park. The Florida Division of Emergency Management encouraged residents to shelter in place and be vigilant.

The National Weather Service confirmed 19 tornados in Florida, with 45 reported throughout the day. The storm brought flash flooding to the Tampa area and parts of western and central Florida. Rivers are still at risk of flooding after up to 18 inches of rain fell.

Residents like Steven Cole Smith and Ken Wood shared their harrowing experiences. Smith rode out the storm with his wife, while Wood fled his home with his 16-year-old cat Andy after surviving Hurricane Helene two weeks prior.

Emergency crews responded to dozens of calls for help, rescuing 15 people trapped under a fallen tree. The state is working to assess the damage, with Federal Emergency Management Agency head Deanne Criswell praising the evacuation orders that saved lives.