At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed 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.
Biden calls on Congress to return immediately to pass disaster aid
President Joe Biden called on Congress to return to Washington “immediately” to pass additional funding for disaster aid, warning that the Small Business Administration is close to exhausting funds for disaster loans.
“I think Congress should move as rapidly as they can, particularly on the most immediate need, which is small business,” he said.
Biden said they should also quickly move to approve additional funds for FEMA.
The president warned that anyone who tries to take advantage of Americans through price gouging or scams will be held accountable.
Over 725 people rescued in Hillsborough County
In Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, over 725 people as well as 128 pets were rescued from flood-prone areas, Sheriff Colonel Anthony Collins said.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said it received an unprecedented 356 emergency calls overnight.
Fire Rescue Chief Jason Ogden praised everyone who evacuated. No fatalities have been reported in the county.
"Conditions have improved since yesterday evening, but there’s still a lot of water on the roads, downed trees and electrical lines everywhere," Ogden warned. "We have lifted the evacuation order, but I encourage everyone to return home safely. The last thing we want is an unintended death or significant injury."
"Traffic control devices are inoperable, so please treat intersections as four-way stops," Collins added.
-ABC News’ Jason Volack
10 fatalities confirmed
At least 10 fatalities have been confirmed from Hurricane Milton, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said.
"Right now, search and rescue is our highest priority, and we are also praying for those who are unaccounted for and for their safe return," he said.
Mayorkas stressed that, while Milton has gone out to see, the danger is ongoing.
"Downed power lines, floodwaters, non-potable drinking water and debris are creating deadly conditions. Keep listening to local officials and shelter in place until it is safe," he said.
Mayorkas also highlighted the "very significant" number of people who followed guidance to evacuate ahead of landfall, saying the impact of that decision cannot be minimized.
Despite the devastating damage caused by Helene and Milton, Mayorkas said, "We have the capability and the capacity to respond to and recover from multiple simultaneous disasters."
Over 15 million meals and 13 million liters of water have been delivered to the region and another 20 million meals and 40 million liters of water are ready to be deployed, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has two temporary power teams and a roofing team to diagnose the need for short term repairs to homes and structures," she said. "The Department of Defense has also provided 60 high water vehicles and personnel who can further aid in search and rescue efforts. To the people of Florida, this is still a very serious situation. Please remain vigilant."
-ABC News’ Justin Ryan Gomez
5 killed in tornadoes in St. Lucie County
Five people were killed in the powerful tornadoes that struck St. Lucie County on Florida's east coast, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
Twelve tornadoes were reported in the county within 90 minutes, prompting over 900 calls to 911, county officials said.
County Administrator George Landry praised the commitment of first responders, saying, "During the storm, our emergency personnel were literally dodging tornadoes to reach residents."
At least 38 tornadoes were reported across Florida on Wednesday. There were 126 tornado warnings issued in South Florida -- the most on record for the state and the second-highest for any state in one day.
-ABC News’ Jason Volack
Drinking water systems, power lines, sewage facilities damaged in St. Petersburg
Milton brought 18 inches of rain and powerful winds to St. Petersburg, causing flooding and severe damage to key infrastructure, including drinking water systems, power lines and sewage facilities, city officials said.
"While we were spared the worst of the predicted storm surge, we still have significant issues to address," a city official said.
Nearly 400,000 customers in Pinellas County are without electricity, officials said.
"This was an unprecedented storm with extremely high winds," officials explained. "The damage to the power grid is severe, and we are asking everyone to be patient while these services are being restored."
Two fatalities were reported in St. Petersburg during Milton: one from a medical emergency and a second person found in a park, Police Chief Tony Holloway said.
-ABC News’ Jason Volack