Hurricane Milton updates: 16 dead across Florida in storm's aftermath

An estimated 125 homes have been destroyed amid a "life-threatening" tornado outbreak ahead of Milton's landfall, according to Kevin Guthrie, the head of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Florida's east coast has had "a lot of tornadic activity" that has resulted in structural damage, he said during a press briefing Wednesday evening.

Based on preliminary information, about 125 homes have been destroyed, "most of them mobile homes and senior communities," he said.

"So we're trying to get into Florida's most vulnerable to make sure they're taken care of," he added.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said there have been 116 tornado warnings issued on Wednesday, with 19 confirmed touchdowns.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents who haven't evacuated to stay inside as conditions deteriorate and the northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore.

"At this point, it's too dangerous to evacuate safely," DeSantis said during a press briefing Wednesday evening.

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Gov. DeSantis gives update ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall

Hurricane Milton, now a Category 3 hurricane, has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida.

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"The storm is here, it's time for everybody to hunker down," he added.

DeSantis detailed the state's emergency response, including search and rescue personnel ready to go.

"We hope that there's not a big need for that, but we're prepared for that," he said.

The state has inspectors ready to clear bridges once the storm passes and "massive amounts of fuel reserves" ready to go once people are able to return to their homes, the governor said.

The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton has come ashore in Florida with 120 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said.

"The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore of the Florida gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where an Extreme Wind Warning is now in effect. Please shelter in place as these extremely dangerous hurricane-force winds overspread the region," the NHC warned.

Pasco County Fire Rescue in Tampa has suspended all emergency service response in the area as Milton nears landfall, with officials saying, "It's no longer safe for high-profile rescue vehicles to be on the road."

"If you're in danger, please call 911 and provide details of your situation. We're constantly monitoring weather conditions and emergency crews will respond as soon as it is safe to do so," officials said.