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

A flash flood warning is in effect for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater until 11:30 p.m. ET, according to the National Weather Service.

Central Hillsborough County, northern Manatee County and southeastern Pinellas County are under flash flood warnings until 2:30 a.m. ET.

Between 10 and 14 inches of rain have fallen in the region and flash flooding is already occurring, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency reported, "Life-threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses."

A possible tornado caused "significant damage" in Port Salerno, Martin County Fire Rescue said on X while sharing photos of the destruction.

"It’s estimated that dozens of homes have been damaged, some severely," it said.

Injuries ranging from minor to serious have also been reported, according to Martin County Fire Rescue. No fatalities have been reported at this time, it added.

President Joe Biden will "continue to receive updates from his team throughout the night" as Milton moves across the Florida peninsula, the White House said.

Biden called several officials in Florida Wednesday before landfall, including the mayors of Sarasota and Orlando, telling them to "call him directly" if they need assistance, the White House said.

"STOP: Do not walk out into receding water in Tampa Bay - the water WILL return through storm surge and poses a life-threatening risk," the Florida Division of Emergency Management wrote in an update Wednesday night.