Milton forced millions to evacuate and left widespread destruction.
At least 16 people have died from Hurricane Milton, which roared onshore on Florida's west coast as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing tornadoes, powerful winds and flooding rains. The monster storm forced millions to evacuate and left widespread destruction across Florida.
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.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management shared a warning to residents Wednesday night, saying despite Milton making landfall -- the dangers are present and will continue to be into Thursday.
"Residents should continue to shelter in place & remain vigilant," the agency said. "Deadly hazards & conditions are present well into Thursday as the storm continues to move across the state."
Milton is the third landfalling hurricane in Florida this year, after Helene and Debby -- tying 1871, 1886, 1964, 2004 and 2005 for the most Florida landfalling hurricanes on record in a single season.
The Category 3 storm made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, making it the fifth U.S. Gulf Coast hurricane landfall this year (after Beryl, Debby, Francine and Helene). This ties 2005 and 2020 for the second-most Gulf hurricane landfalls on record, trailing only 1886 with six.
