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

There have been 1,600 people and 140 animals rescued across Florida during Hurricane Milton, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

Clearwater Beach recorded over 23 inches of rain while St. Petersburg faced nearly 19 inches of rain.

As Floridians venture back outside, DeSantis urged, "Please exercise caution, don’t wade into floodwaters. Be careful how you’re using ladders. Use generators properly."

With the cleanup process underway, the governor said Florida is not facing as much debris as he anticipated before landfall.

"We did not get the worst-case scenario, but we did get hit," DeSantis said.

He said 12,000 miles of state roads have been cleared and inspectors have conducted nearly 2,000 bridge inspections across impacted areas.

The IRS warned that criminals may try to take advantage of victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the agency urged the public to be vigilant when donating to relief efforts.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of the recent hurricanes," the IRS Criminal Investigation service tweeted. "During times of crisis, many of us want to help—but unfortunately, scammers take advantage of these moments."

With six states from North Carolina to Florida under disaster declarations, the IRS is warning Americans to verify a charity’s legitimacy, be cautious of unsolicited texts and social media postings and to never send money in the form of gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

"Be suspicious if they pressure you to act immediately," the IRS said.

-ABC News’ Luke Barr

Flights are resuming at Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport on Friday following Hurricane Milton. But about one-fourth of flights leaving both airports have been canceled.

The death toll from Hurricane Milton has risen to 16.

In Orange County, which encompasses Orlando, a 60-year-old man died Thursday when he stepped on a downed power line while cleaning debris from the storm, the sheriff's office said.

In Tampa, a woman in her 70s was killed by a fallen tree branch, police said.

Six of the storm deaths were attributed to tornadoes in St. Lucie County.