Hurricane Milton: Florida Gov. DeSantis says storm's toll wasn't 'worst case scenario'

Addressing the state on Thursday morning, after the devastation of Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said while the storm was "significant," its impact was not the "worst case scenario."

Initially clocking in as a Category 5 storm — and predicted to hit the Sunshine State at Category 4 — Milton made landfall in Siesta Key on Wednesday evening as a Category 3.

Though the impact was much less intense than Floridians expected, it pounded dozens of cities with ferocious winds and rain, whipping up a barrage of tornadoes and causing an unknown number of deaths.

"We had over 80,000 people that were into shelters overnight as the storm hit the state," DeSantis said. "We will better understand the extent of the damage as the day progresses. And you have people that are out there assessing damage right now. First responders have been working all through the night to help people who were in distress," he added.

This comes after millions were told to evacuate across 51 counties. As dawn broke Thursday, officials repeated that the danger had not passed: Storm surge remained a concern in many parts of Florida and tropical storm warnings were in place for much of the east-central coast.

#GlobalNews #Florida #HurricaneMilton

[stubinski]

Thank God it was weaker than forecast, a lot of people had been praying 🙏

[HongNguyen-qpkp]

Pray for safety of all Floridians 🙏🙏 from Canadian ❤️

[Ramesh]

That’s good that it wasn’t worst case scenario but I think it’s a double edged sword. People may not take the next one as seriously based on some comments I’m seeing thus far. I hope I’ll be wrong.

[clarkkent]

YOU KNOW IT'S BAD WHEN THE WAFFLE HOUSE CLOSES

[bearlynmonroe]

LOOK FOR WILD ANIMALS LEFT FROM THE STORM ? GOD BLESS STAY SAFE

[kayclarke]

I cry and pray and God answer me so my advice to people in florida go repent and seek God face and mercy....

[preshutchins]

Ever since Governor DeSantis response to covid I have been more and more impressed by him by the day. And if he ever ran for president again he would DEFINITELY have my vote🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[mariemacavoy]

Where’s the TY to the Federal Government? Sad DeSantis can’t put Politics aside in the middle of a disaster….every other Republican Governor has stepped up but this guy

[eleanorcowan]

Very disrespectful response to journalist's honest question. Calm down, boss.

[TinnyDee]

We appreciate our Govenor leadership during a difficult time. Prayers for all affected by these Hurricanes.

[lastChang]

Praying for the safety of all Floridians 🇺🇸!
I condemn the Chinese ignorance about their fossil fuel use.

[skyeblu]

DeSantis you are the bomb brother, kudos to an excellent leader! God Bless...💜 Y'all are truly a credit to America!

[Daslikdj]

Ron DeSantis, the prime example of why DEI hiring is wrong.

[cristy]

And that’s how you handle the aftermath of a hurricane! Helene was DID NOT get this kind of help! Desantis thank you for your support for both, I appreciate you!

[JL-vooi]

Cloudseeding and geoengeneering as a weapon.

[TheCanuckCanadain]

I expect a mad bashing of gays and god. Good as this is something not political

[WTMI]

DeSantis is a true leader. It is so unfortunate that the general population doesn't want benevolent leaders. They want sensational performers.

[Godschosenfollower]

Do you know why it wasn’t a worse case scenario? Because we were all praying for you all of you, and the prayers of the righteous avail much!! Glory to God!!! I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as initially thought, now I’m praying for a fast rebuild and recovery 🙏❤️

[watching]

It's very disrespectful to put up a pic of Ron Desantis smiling next to what seems to be severe damage and scary photo of the hurricane. We know what you are trying to do.

[MrMannyhw]

There is no misinformation. We know government used a lot of money on illegal migrants and not have enough for American citizens. Pray for Florida and government do the right thing to help people of Florida.