TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Hurricane Milton barreled into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday after plowing across Florida, where it knocked out power to more than 3 million customers and whipped up 150 tornadoes. The storm caused at least four deaths and compounded the misery wrought by Helene while sparing Tampa a direct hit.
The system tracked to the south in the final hours and made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm in Siesta Key, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Tampa. Damage was widespread, and water levels may continue to rise for days, but Gov. Ron DeSantis said it was not “the worst-case scenario.”
The deadly storm surge feared for Tampa never materialized, though the storm dumped up to 18 inches (45 centimeters) of rain in some parts of the area, the governor said. The worst storm surge appeared to be in Sarasota County, where it was 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 meters) — lower than in the worst place during Helene.
“We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” DeSantis said. “We’ve got more to do, but we will absolutely get through this.”
As dawn broke Thursday, officials repeated that the danger had not passed: Storm-surge warnings were posted for much of the east-central Florida coast and north into Georgia. Tropical storm warnings were in place along the coast into South Carolina. Officials in the hard-hit Florida counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota and Lee urged people to stay home, warning of downed power lines, trees in roads, blocked bridges and flooding.
“We’ll let you know when it’s safe to come out,” Sheriff Chad Chronister of Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, said on Facebook.
Just inland from Tampa, the flooding in Plant City was “absolutely staggering,” according to City Manager Bill McDaniel. Emergency crews rescued 35 people overnight, said McDaniel, who estimated the city received 13.5 inches (34 cm) of rain.
“We have flooding in places and to levels that I’ve never seen, and I’ve lived in this community for my entire life,” he said in a video posted online Thursday morning.
In contrast, city workers on Anna Maria Island were grateful not to be wading through floodwaters as they picked up debris Thursday morning, two weeks after Helene battered buildings and blew in piles of sand up to 6 feet (1.8 m) high. Those piles may have helped shield homes from further damage, said Jeremi Roberts of the State Emergency Response Team.
“I’m shocked it’s not more,” city worker Kati Sands said as she cleared the streets of siding and broken lights. “We lost so much with Helene, there wasn’t much left.”
The storm knocked out power across a large section of Florida, with more than 3.4 million homes and businesses without electricity, according to poweroutage.us, which tracks utility reports.
The fabric that serves as the roof of Tropicana Field — home of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team in St. Petersburg — was ripped to shreds by fierce winds. It was not immediately clear if there was damage inside. Before the storm hit, first responders were moved from a staging area there.
Multiple cranes were also toppled in the storm.
St. Petersburg residents could no longer get water from their household taps because a water main break led the city to shut down service. Mayor Ken Welch had told residents to expect long power outages and the possible shutdown of the sewer system.
State officials said they completed more than 40 rescues overnight and crews would be going door to door in some areas Thursday. In Tampa, police said they rescued 15 people from a single-story home damaged by a fallen tree.
“We are laser-focused on search-and-rescue operations today,” said Col. Mark Thieme, executive director of the Florida State Guard.
Among the scores of tornadoes, one twister touched down in the lightly populated Everglades and crossed Interstate 75. Another apparent tornado hit in Fort Myers, snapping tree limbs and tearing a gas station’s canopy to shreds.
The Spanish Lakes Country Club near Fort Pierce, on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, was hit particularly hard, with homes destroyed and at least four people killed in tornadoes, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said.
Before the hurricane arrived, about 125 homes were destroyed, many of them mobile homes in communities for senior citizens, said Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
Hurricane Milton Weather The Ponce De Leon Hotel sign fell to the ground after Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in St Petersburg. (Lauren Peace/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Lauren Peace/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather An aerial view of Tropicana Field's shredded roof in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., in the wake of Hurricane Milton early Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (MAX CHESNES/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Drone images above Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, show the shredded roof of the dome and the cots on the field, set up for first responders, among the debris, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Max Chesnes/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (MAX CHESNES/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Tropicana Field's roof torn off by Hurricane Milton's winds Photo contributed by WTSP TV (contributed by NewsPath) (WTSP TV (contributed by NewsPath) /WTSP TV (contributed by NewsPath))
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: The roof at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, sustained major damage because of high winds associated with Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car sits in high water in front of a home in the aftermath of hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car sits in high water in front of a home in the aftermath of hurricane Milton, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) (Mike Stewart/AP)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Brandon Marlow walks through surge waters flooding the street after Hurricane Milton came ashore in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. People are waiting to assess the damage after the Cat 3 hurricane came ashore. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Weather A downed tree lies across a road after the passage of Hurricane Milton, in downtwon Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A downed tree lies across a road after the passage of Hurricane Milton, in downtown Tampa, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Doug Manning walks to his home along Commonwealth Drive after Hurricane Milton made landfall nearby Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 in Siesta Key, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (CHRIS URSO/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Doug Manning surveys damage to his Siesta Key, Fla., home after Hurricane Milton made landfall nearby Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (CHRIS URSO/AP)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Surge waters flood the street after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Storm debris after Hurricane Milton October 10, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. The storm made landfall at Siesta Key. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A woman in a wheelchair makes her way along a downtown sidewalk as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Brandon Marlow walks through surge waters flooding the street after Hurricane Milton came ashore in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. People are waiting to assess the damage after the Cat 3 hurricane came ashore. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands in a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Boats at Marina Jack following Hurricane on Milton October 10, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. The storm made landfall at Siesta Key. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: People walk along a street through the wind and rain after power was knocked as Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands on a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands on a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 9: Wind and rain batter the area as Hurricane Milton approaches on October 9, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, will hit Florida's central Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall with destructive winds and flooding. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Members of the media work in flooded streets after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PORT CHARLOTTE - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests on a road after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida. The storm came ashore as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PORT CHARLOTTE - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests on a road after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Putnam County Milton damage The Crill Avenue underpass was closed Wednesday prior to the storm due to flooding.
Hurricane Milton Joe Lindquist, 32, of St. Petersburg, walks over bricks near a fallen crane along 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton A group is silhouetted against a fallen crane along 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Police respond to a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A crane falls onto a building along 1st Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Fla., as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Chris Nation, of Commerce, Ga., climbs a tree and gestures while hanging out with coworkers outside the hotel where they are riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Nation, who works for a towing company, was deployed with colleagues to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Wind-driven rain soaks a street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the passage of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Chris Nation, of Commerce, Ga., skids on puddles in the parking lot of the hotel where he's riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Nation, who works for a towing company, was deployed to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A man walking his dogs takes a picture from the sheltered entryway of the Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa hotel, as strong gusts of wind from Hurricane Milton blow sheets of rain along the street in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Max Watts, of Buford, Ga., walks in the parking lot to check on a trailer parked outside the hotel where he is riding out Hurricane Milton with coworkers, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Watts, who works for a towing company, was deployed with colleagues to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car drives past a pile of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding, along a street that had already begun flooding from rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A tow truck responds following a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Melvin Lee HIcks, who is homeless, wears a trash bag to protect against wind-driven rain, as he stands on a street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton People walk through nearly-deserted downtown Tampa, Fla., in windy and rainy conditions during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Melvin Lee Hicks, who is homeless, lies under a sheet donated by a nearby hotel, as he shelters alongside a parking garage in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The city of Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., is seen from Surfside, Fla., as the outer bands of Hurricane Milton kick up the sand, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
APTOPIX Cuba Hurricane Milton Weather People take photos of the spray from waves crashing against the Malecon seawall, brought by the passing of Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico, in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer Youths duck behind the Malecon seawall as they play in the surf brought by Hurricane Milton passing through the Gulf of Mexico, in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) (Ramon Espinosa/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer A jogger trots as rain falls ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 11:46 a.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer Ron Rook, who said he was looking for people in need of help or debris to clear, walks through windy and rainy conditions on a deserted street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Explainer A car drives past a pile of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding, along a street that had already begun flooding from rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Ron Rook, who said he was looking for people in need of help or debris to clear, walks through windy and rainy conditions on a deserted street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather An apparent tornado caused by Hurricane Milton, tore the awning off a 7-Eleven convenient store, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Cape Coral, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Christian Burke stands at the door of his home, where he, his mother, and his aunt plan to ride out Hurricane Milton on the third floor overlooking overlooking Tampa Bay, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. Burke, who said his engineer father built the concrete home to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, expects his raised ground floor to get up to 8 feet of water in Milton. A boat deposited by Hurricane Helene sits lodged in the bay front park outside his front door. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton A Lee County Sheriff's officer patrols the streets of Cape Coral, Fla., as heavy rain falls ahead of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather An apparent tornado caused by Hurricane Milton tossed an ice machine into the parking lot of a 7-Eleven convenient store, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Cape Coral, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather An apparent tornado caused by Hurricane Milton, tore the awning off a 7-Eleven convenient store, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Cape Coral, Fla.(AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) (Marta Lavandier/AP)
Tornadoes spotted in South Florida as Hurricane Milton creeps closer (The National Weather Service /The National Weather Service)
Hurricane Milton Weather A person walks under light rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A vehicle crosses a bridge as rain begins to fall ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A jogger trots in light rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather This GOES-16 GeoColor satellite image taken at 11:46 a.m. EDT and provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (NOAA via AP) (Uncredited/AP)
About 90 minutes after making landfall, Milton was downgraded to a Category 2 storm. By early Thursday, the hurricane was a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of about 85 mph (135 kph) and leaving the state near Cape Canaveral.
The storm slammed into a region still reeling two weeks after Hurricane Helene flooded streets and homes in western Florida and left at least 230 people dead across the South. In many places along the coast, municipalities raced to collect and dispose of debris before Milton’s winds and storm surge could toss it around and compound any damage.
Officials had issued dire warnings to flee or face grim odds of survival.
Jackie Curnick said she wrestled with her decision to stay at home in Sarasota, just north of where the storm made landfall. She and her husband started packing Monday to evacuate, but they struggled to find available hotel rooms, and the few they came by were too expensive.
With a 2-year-old son and a baby girl due Oct. 29, Curnick said there were too many unanswered questions if they got in the car and left: Where would they sleep? Would they be able to fill their gas tank? And could they even find a safe route out of the state?
“The thing is it’s so difficult to evacuate in a peninsula,” she said ahead of the storm. “In most other states, you can go in any direction to get out. In Florida, there are only so many roads that take you north or south.”
Video taken during the storm showed howling winds and sheets of rain lashing their glass-enclosed swimming pool as their son and dog watched. Trees shook violently.
On Thursday morning, she reported that the family was without power but safe.
More than 60% of gas stations in Tampa and St. Petersburg were out of gas Thursday morning, according to GasBuddy, though DeSantis said the state’s overall supply was fine.
In Charlotte Harbor, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Tampa, clouds swirled and winds gusted as Josh Parks packed his Kia sedan with clothes and other belongings Wednesday. Two weeks ago, Helene’s surge brought about 5 feet (1.5 meters) of water to the neighborhood, and its streets remain filled with waterlogged furniture, torn-out drywall and other debris.
Parks, an auto technician, planned to flee to his daughter’s home inland and said his roommate already left.
“I told her to pack like you aren’t coming back,” he said.
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PUNTA GORDA - OCTOBER 10: Boats rest in a yard after they were washed ashore when Hurricane Milton passed through the area on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PUNTA GORDA - OCTOBER 10: In this aerial view, Flood waters inundate a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A search and rescue team member exits a truck at a police blockade in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton near a bridge to Siesta Key on October 10, 2024 near Siesta Key, Florida. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A man walks up to a police blockade near a bridge to Siesta Key in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 near Siesta Key, Florida. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: The roof at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, sustained major damage because of high winds associated with Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PUNTA GORDA - OCTOBER 10: In this aerial view, a boat rests in a street after it was washed ashore when Hurricane Milton passed through the area on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PUNTA GORDA - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests in a yard after it was washed ashore when Hurricane Milton passed through the area on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Gulf Search and Rescue Assistant Director Robbyn Jacobs, right, speaks with a member of law enforcement at a police blockade near a bridge to Siesta Key in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 near Siesta Key, Florida. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: A crane sits on the street after crashing down into the building housing the Tampa Bay Times offices after the arrival of Hurricane Milton on October 10, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic Hurricane Helene, landed into Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening as a Category 3 storm causing extensive flooding and damage. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PUNTA GORDA - OCTOBER 10: In this aerial view, Flood waters inundate a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PORT CHARLOTTE - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests on a road after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida. The storm came ashore as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Boats at Marina Jack following Hurricane on Milton October 10, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. The storm made landfall at Siesta Key. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A woman in a wheelchair makes her way along a downtown sidewalk as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands on a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 9: Wind and rain batter the area as Hurricane Milton approaches on October 9, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. Milton, which comes just after the recent catastrophic hurricane Helene, will hit Florida's central Gulf Coast and is expected to make landfall with destructive winds and flooding. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida SARASOTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 10: Storm debris after Hurricane Milton October 10, 2024 in Sarasota, Florida. The storm made landfall at Siesta Key. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) (Sean Rayford/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands in a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Members of the media work in flooded streets after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Surge waters flood the street after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: A television reporter stands on a downtown street as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on October 09, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though avoiding the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida PORT CHARLOTTE - OCTOBER 10: A boat rests on a road after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: Brandon Marlow walks through surge waters flooding the street after Hurricane Milton came ashore in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. People are waiting to assess the damage after the Cat 3 hurricane came ashore. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Hurricane Milton Barrels Into Florida FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 09: People walk along a street through the wind and rain after power was knocked as Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that's home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Putnam County Milton damage The Crill Avenue underpass was closed Wednesday prior to the storm due to flooding.
Volusia County pounded by dangerous winds as Hurricane Milton moves away from Florida
Hurricane Milton Weather Amy Sapanara, of Pinellas, Fla., walks with her dogs, Frankie and Dudley, near the hotel where she's taking shelter during Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Davis Jones, an insurance adjuster from Biloxi, Miss., looks out the door of the hotel where he is riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The roof of Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, appeared to be badly damaged as Hurricane Milton passes Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Debris covers the ground near a crane that fell onto a building along 1st Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Fla., as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Clay County Sheriff's Office Clay County Sheriff's officials gathered Thursday morning before hitting the streets to survey damage from Hurricane Milton. (Clay County Sheriff's Office)
St. Johns County Flood damage St. Johns County flooding Thursday morning in the wake of Hurricane Milton
St. Johns County Flood damage St. Johns County flooding Thursday morning in the wake of Hurricane Milton
St. Johns County Flood damage St. Johns County flooding Thursday morning in the wake of Hurricane Milton
More than 3 million without power as Hurricane Milton slams Florida, causes deaths and flooding
Hurricane Milton Joe Lindquist, 32, of St. Petersburg, walks over bricks near a fallen crane along 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton A group is silhouetted against a fallen crane along 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton A crane is seen across 1st Avenue South near the Tampa Bay Times offices in St. Petersburg, Florida, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Police respond to a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A crane falls onto a building along 1st Avenue South in St. Petersburg, Fla., as Hurricane Milton's strong winds tore through the area Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP) (Chris Urso/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Chris Nation, of Commerce, Ga., climbs a tree and gestures while hanging out with coworkers outside the hotel where they are riding out Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Nation, who works for a towing company, was deployed with colleagues to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A few of the 283 registered animals, birds and reptiles line a hallway in the evacuation shelter at River Ridge Middle/High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Wind-driven rain soaks a street in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the passage of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A man walking his dogs takes a picture from the sheltered entryway of the Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa hotel, as strong gusts of wind from Hurricane Milton blow sheets of rain along the street in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
APTOPIX Hurricane Milton Weather Max Watts, of Buford, Ga., walks in the parking lot to check on a trailer parked outside the hotel where he is riding out Hurricane Milton with coworkers, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Watts, who works for a towing company, was deployed with colleagues to Florida to aid in the aftermath of the storm. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Julio Cortez/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A tow truck responds following a traffic accident between a car and a fire truck returning from a call, on near-deserted streets in downtown Tampa, Fla., during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather A car drives past a pile of debris from Hurricane Helene flooding, along a street that had already begun flooding from rain ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Milton, in Gulfport, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton People walk through nearly-deserted downtown Tampa, Fla., in windy and rainy conditions during the approach of Hurricane Milton, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather Logan Smith takes his dog Zak through some of the 283 registered pets in the evacuation shelter at River Ridge Middle/High School in preparation for Hurricane Milton on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, in New Port Richey, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson) (Mike Carlson/AP)
Hurricane Milton Weather The Segundo family, who evacuated from nearby Davis Island, plays a board game with their dog Cassie looking on, as Hurricane Milton makes landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast, at Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown hotel in Tampa, Fla., Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) (Rebecca Blackwell/AP)