Hurricane Milton updates: 16 dead across Florida in storm's aftermath
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.
Latest headlines:
'Too dangerous to evacuate safely': DeSantis
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged residents who haven't evacuated to stay inside as conditions deteriorate and the northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore.
"At this point, it's too dangerous to evacuate safely," DeSantis said during a press briefing Wednesday evening.
"The storm is here, it's time for everybody to hunker down," he added.
DeSantis detailed the state's emergency response, including search and rescue personnel ready to go.
"We hope that there's not a big need for that, but we're prepared for that," he said.
The state has inspectors ready to clear bridges once the storm passes and "massive amounts of fuel reserves" ready to go once people are able to return to their homes, the governor said.
Northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton moves ashore in Florida
The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton has come ashore in Florida with 120 mph winds, the National Hurricane Center said.
"The northern eyewall of Hurricane Milton is beginning to move onshore of the Florida gulf coast near Tampa and St. Petersburg where an Extreme Wind Warning is now in effect. Please shelter in place as these extremely dangerous hurricane-force winds overspread the region," the NHC warned.
County north of Tampa suspends emergency response
Pasco County Fire Rescue in Tampa has suspended all emergency service response in the area as Milton nears landfall, with officials saying, "It's no longer safe for high-profile rescue vehicles to be on the road."
"If you're in danger, please call 911 and provide details of your situation. We're constantly monitoring weather conditions and emergency crews will respond as soon as it is safe to do so," officials said.
Sarasota police suspend emergency services: 'We cannot respond'
Ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall Wednesday night, the Sarasota Police Department said its last patrol vehicle has returned to headquarters.
"Sustained wind speeds are too strong for emergency services to respond," the department wrote in a statement on X. "We will now wait out the storm, just like you, and once it passes, we will begin our rescue and recovery process."
In a follow-up post, Sarasota officials said emergency services are "grounded."
"You need to shelter in place. If you need help, we cannot respond. Please do not venture out and put your life in danger," the department said.