At least five people were killed and hundreds of homes were destroyed as more than a dozen tornadoes, fueled by Hurricane Milton, tore through Florida, prompting urgent search and rescue operations across the state.

The unprecedented tornado outbreak, which included a record 38 reports and over 125 warnings statewide, has devastated communities, particularly in St. Lucie County where many of the fatalities occurred. Emergency responders are racing against time to locate individuals trapped in the wreckage while millions remain without power following winds exceeding 100 mph and historic rainfall that has caused severe flooding.

The tornadoes triggered extensive damage, affecting multiple neighborhoods and crucial infrastructure. Reports indicate that homes, businesses, and vehicles were not only subjected to high winds but also to flying debris that contributed to the overall destruction. Videos shared on social media show harrowing scenes of broken trees, crushed cars, and buildings reduced to rubble, illustrating the magnitude of the devastation.

The storm's ferocity was compounded by Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane before weakening to a Category 1 as it moved inland. The severe weather associated with the hurricane proved to be particularly powerful, with meteorologists characterizing the resulting tornadoes as 'supercharged.' This enhanced strength contributed to the tornadoes' ability to wreak havoc across the state, surpassing what is typically expected from hurricane-related tornadoes.

In St. Lucie County, where at least four to five fatalities have been reported, residents are grappling with the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and first responders are working tirelessly to reach those reportedly trapped under debris and in overturned vehicles. Many citizens have been urged to stay indoors to avoid further danger as recovery efforts continue.

The storm's impact is not limited to the destruction of property and loss of life. Approximately 3 million Floridians are currently without power, resulting from downed power lines and damaged electrical infrastructure. Utility companies are mobilizing crews to restore electricity, but widespread outages mean that many areas will likely face prolonged disruptions.

In addition to the tornado threat, the storm has brought significant rainfall, with reports indicating that some regions received upwards of 16 inches of rain. This excessive precipitation has resulted in historic flooding, complicating rescue efforts and creating hazardous conditions on roadways. Flooded streets and swollen rivers are a growing concern for both emergency responders and residents trying to navigate the crisis.

Florida Governor has declared a state of emergency to expedite aid and recovery efforts. This declaration enables local officials to access additional resources and support to assist those affected by the tornadoes and flooding. The state's emergency management agency is coordinating with federal resources to ensure help reaches impacted communities swiftly.

As the situation evolves, authorities are urging those in storm-damaged areas to heed warnings from local officials and to remain aware of changing weather conditions. With more storms potentially on the horizon, the need for vigilance remains critical to ensure public safety.