Hurricane Milton latest: ‘Everything in its path is gone’ – deaths reported as daylight reveals Florida devastation

At least 48 people have been rescued as of 6.30am local time, Ron DeSantis says.

“National Guard search and rescue teams have worked overnight and successfully executed rescues of families and pets,” he says. 

More than 80,000 people were in shelters overnight as the storm hit the state. 

Hundreds of rescuers are continuing this morning, with 125 active missions taking place in 26 different counties. More than 6,500 soldiers have been deployed throughout the state.

Warning about post-storm dangers

DeSantis also warned people to be cautious of hazards as they begin to clean up in the aftermath of the storm: “We have post-storm fatalities almost every storm”. 

Standing water can conceal downed power lines and other hazards, he added, warning people to never walk through storm waters. 

“Standing storm waters can also carry a bacteria that can lead to fatal infections. This type of infection was responsible for a fatality following Hurricane Helene. So please avoid wading through standing water.”