Hurricane Milton made landfall last evening near Siesta Key, Florida, as a Category 3 hurricane with winds up to 120 mph.
The major storm brought heavy rainfall, up to a foot in the Tampa area, and triggered at least 36 tornadoes, which have since claimed at least four lives in St. Lucie County, according to ABC News.
At least 13 fatalities have been confirmed from Hurricane Milton, according to the latest report from ABC News. It was just updated from 10.
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."
Mayorkas stressed that, while Milton has gone out to sea, the danger is ongoing.
AP PHOTO - The roof of the Tropicana Field is damaged the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
"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.
More than 3.2 million customers are without power and more than 50,000 linemen have been pre-staged across Florida to restore power, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Millions were forced to evacuate and airports closed ahead of the hurricane - updates on the airports can be found in the link below.
Sheriff Colonel Anthony Collins reported that more than 725 individuals and 128 pets were rescued from flood-prone areas in Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa.
The Hillsborough County Fire Rescue stated that it received an exceptional 356 emergency calls during the night.
Please keep all those impacted by this storm in your thoughts and prayers as well as all first responders.
How can you be of help?
The following is a list of organizations directly responding to communities impacted by Hurricane Milton ( Courtesy ABC News)
If you are in the Lehigh Valley and have trucks going down with supplies, please contact me at lorilee@wgolv.com so that I can add those to the list. I will need all information such as dates, times and any additional details.
ABC News is also providing additional live updates on their website.
Curious when airports will reopen? -
Click here for updates from ABC News.
Disney World said it’s preparing to reopen its theme parks, Disney Springs, and "possibly other areas" on Friday, according to ABC News.
"Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm," Disney said in a statement.