At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.

In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.

He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.

The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, a powerful tornado has hit a highway, further escalating the dangerous conditions brought by the massive Category 4 storm. With sustained winds near 145 mph, Milton is expected to make landfall soon, bringing a life-threatening storm surge of up to 15 feet between Tampa and Port Charlotte, according to Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center.

Brennan warned that urban and flash flooding could persist into Thursday, posing a significant risk, especially given the tragic loss of 16 lives in the same area during Hurricane Ian in 2022. He explained that Tampa is particularly vulnerable, with even a minor shift in the storm’s path potentially directing the worst of the storm surge directly into the city.

“As close as we are to landfall, it’s not really possible to tell exactly where that worst surge will occur,” Brennan cautioned, noting that a “wobble” in the storm’s track could move it by just 10 or 20 miles, drastically altering the impacts.

Brennan highlighted that Tampa Bay’s geography funnels water into the region, which could lead to a storm surge potentially double what the city experienced during Hurricane Helene. Florida’s western and northeastern coasts are bracing for some form of surge, but Tampa remains one of the most at-risk areas, where surges could reach up to 15 feet.

Residents in affected areas are urged to heed evacuation orders and take immediate precautions as the storm bears down on Florida’s vulnerable coast.

A state of emergency has been declared across parts of Florida as the Gulf Coast faces the threat of another major storm, just days after being ravaged by Storm Helene. The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for Tropical Storm Milton, which is expected to strengthen quickly and potentially bring life-threatening conditions to the region.

Currently hovering off the coast of Mexico with wind speeds of 60 mph (95 km/h), Storm Milton is forecasted to intensify and make landfall along Florida’s west coast by mid-week. This comes as the state is still grappling with the devastation left by Storm Helene, which tragically claimed over 225 lives in the southeastern U.S., including 14 in Florida. Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for in the wake of the deadly storm, which was the worst since Hurricane Katrina.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency warning for 35 counties and assured residents that efforts are underway to restore power, clear roads, and prepare for the possibility of another major storm. Heavy rainfall is predicted, with the potential for flash flooding and river flooding as the storm intensifies. The Florida Peninsula and Keys could see between 5 to 12 inches (127 to 304 mm) of rain, adding to the urgency of storm preparations.

With Storm Milton posing another serious threat, authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the state braces for a difficult week ahead.