Damage assessments and rescue operations are underway as the brunt of the storm hit the state’s Big Bend, also the landing site for Hurricane Idalia just over a year ago.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis presented another unfortunate update on then Hurricane Helene, as another death was confirmed.

FWC is in or heading to coastal counties with shallow water boats; Florida's emergency management chief Kevin Guthrie told reporters there were over 1,500 search and rescue personnel in the highly affected areas. And he asked Floridians to refrain from going to – or back to – these areas until local authorities say it’s safe to return.