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

There are "multiple fatalities" at a retirement community following a suspected tornado, St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson told ABC News.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in Fort Pierce, according to Pearson.

Pearson told West Palm Beach affiliate WPBF earlier that they have asked for search and rescue teams.

On the east coast of Florida, emergency personnel responded to reported tornados in Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Martin County, St. Lucie County and Indian River County.

--ABC News' Ben Stein and Darren Reynolds

Milton is now a Category 2 hurricane, with 110 mph winds as it continues moving inland.

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.