Ron DeSantis says Florida was spared the “worst-case scenario” from Hurricane Milton

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said initial assessments showed the state was spared from Hurricane Milton's “worst-case scenario,” although there was significant damage.

“The storm was significant, but fortunately this was not the worst-case scenario,” DeSantis said at a briefing this morning, adding that the hurricane had weakened before making landfall.

“The increase definitely did not reach Helene levels,” the governor said.

He said Sarasota County saw the largest storm surge at 8 to 10 feet, compared to Hurricane Helene, which reached 15 to 20 feet in some areas.

At least four people were killed, the AP reported, while media reported that more than three million people were without power.

Central Milton moved away from the state this morning, but the Cape Canaveral area was still experiencing strong gusty winds and heavy rains, according to the National Hurricane Center.

President Joe Biden spoke with DeSantis this morning and “reiterated that he will provide whatever support the state needs to accelerate the response and recovery,” the White House said.

Throughout the night, the station's correspondents were at the center of the massive storm, which was approaching the state as a Category Five hurricane.

One of the most dramatic images of damage was captured by a drone from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg as the roof was torn off the stadium.