Florida, Oct 13 (V7N) — Search and rescue teams are actively working in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties as water levels rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. Governor Ron DeSantis announced Saturday that over 1,000 people have been rescued from floodwaters and other hazards.

“Fortunately, we didn’t experience the anticipated 15- to 20-foot storm surge, but rising waters remain dangerous,” DeSantis said. “Our teams are responding swiftly to help those in need.”

Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County, causing a brief "reverse" storm surge that drained water from Tampa Bay and averted catastrophic flooding. However, high winds caused significant damage, including the collapse of a crane into a downtown building and destruction of the roof at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

As the storm moved across the state, winds reached 100 mph, with confirmed tornadoes reported. Melbourne Orlando International Airport suffered severe damage, with a large hole torn through its roof.

In Polk County, extensive flooding has submerged large areas, while in Lake County, nearly 2 million gallons of sewage spilled from a treatment plant due to the flooding. Downed trees and power lines have blocked roads statewide, and strong winds and flooding have carried away vehicles and boats, creating sinkholes.

Tornadoes linked to Milton have resulted in multiple fatalities. At least 17 deaths have been confirmed across St. Lucie, Volusia, Pinellas, and Citrus counties. Six deaths occurred in St. Lucie County, particularly at the Spanish Lakes Country Club Village.

Victims include a 79-year-old woman in Ormond Beach and a 54-year-old woman in Port Orange, both killed by falling trees. In Hillsborough County, a woman died from a falling tree limb, while another man in Orange County was killed after stepping on a downed power line.

Early estimates indicate that Hurricane Milton could cause $50 billion in damage, with total costs—including property damage and economic losses—potentially exceeding $160 billion, according to AccuWeather. This figure considers long-term healthcare costs for survivors and business disruptions.

“Milton will be remembered as one of the most damaging storms in Florida's history,” AccuWeather noted, highlighting concerns raised after Hurricane Helene, which incurred damages between $225-250 billion just weeks ago.

Since 1980, hurricanes have caused over $1.3 trillion in damages in the U.S., averaging around $22.8 billion per event, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office for Coastal Management.

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