At least 16 people have died from Hurricane Milton, which roared onshore on Florida's west coast as a Category 3 hurricane, bringing tornadoes, powerful winds and flooding rains. The monster storm forced millions to evacuate and left widespread destruction across Florida.
How to help communities impacted by Hurricane Milton
As Floridians come together to pick up the pieces amid extensive flooding, debris pileup, tornado damage and more, various charities and nonprofits are raising funds and accepting donations to support rescue and relief efforts.
Marie Cook reacts to the damage to her home in the Binks Estates community after a tornado formed by Hurricane Milton touched down striking homes in The Preserve and Binks Estate among others in its path in Wellington, Fla., Oct. 9, 2024.
Bill Ingram/Palm Beach Post/USA Today Network via Reuters
Oct 10, 2024, 1:01 PM EDT
Video captures moment 14-year-old boy is rescued from floodwaters
In Hillsborough County, which encompasses Tampa, responders captured the moment they rescued a 14-year-old boy who had been trapped and floating on debris after he was submerged in floodwaters.
Oct 10, 2024, 12:43 PM EDT
Disney World to reopen Friday
Disney World said it’s preparing to reopen its theme parks, Disney Springs and "possibly other areas" on Friday.
"Our hearts are with our fellow Floridians who were impacted by this storm," Disney said in a statement.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News.
Oct 10, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT
Hundreds rescued in Clearwater
Over 11,000 people evacuated coastal Pinellas County, which encompasses Clearwater and St. Petersburg, ahead of Hurricane Milton, according to a county emergency management official.
"We appreciate the cooperation of the residents, especially those on the barrier islands, who evacuated and helped minimize the impact of the storm," Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.
One of the most notable rescue operations in the county was at a Clearwater apartment complex, where rising waters threatened the lives of about 2,000 residents, officials said.
A water rescue boat moves in flood waters at an apartment complex in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Oct. 10, 2024, in Clearwater, Fla.
Mike Stewart/AP
"We rescued approximately 430 people using high-water vehicles and boats," the sheriff said. "The water was so high that it reached the second-floor balconies of some apartments, but thankfully, many residents had moved to higher ground."
"Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported," he said.