Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage but did not live up to worst fears because it weakened before landfall, and the storm surge was not as bad as feared.
Hurricane Milton made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm near Siesta Key, south of Tampa.
“What we can say is the storm was significant, but thankfully, this was not the worst-case scenario,” Mr. DeSantis, a Republican, said at a media briefing.
Mr. DeSantis said 3.1 million customers do not have power after the storm swept across the state.
Four people have been confirmed dead after tornadoes spun off from the storm, according to media reports.
“The storm did bring much destruction and damage,” Mr. DeSantis said. “Tornadoes ravaged parts of the east coast of the state, flooding occurred on the west and east coasts and strong winds lashed the state, especially in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.”
He said pockets of Pinellas County saw up to 18 inches of rain, and many rivers are at or near the flood stage.
“We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses,” the governor said. “You have people out there who are assessing damage right now.”
President Biden spoke to Mr. DeSantis early Thursday about the storm.
The governor thanked Mr. Biden for federal support and Mr. Biden reiterated that he would provide any support the state needs for its recovery, according to the White House.
Deanne Criswell, administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, participated in the call and planned to survey the damage with Mr. DeSantis on Thursday.
Ms. Criswell planned to update Mr. Biden after assessing the storm’s impact.
SEE ALSO: Presidential politics churn through Hurricane Milton
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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