WATCH: Florida residents battle torrential conditions in shocking footage of Hurricane Milton
At least two deaths have been reported so far, as dozens of buildings, businesses and vehicles were damaged in the wake of the hurricane.
Several Florida residents have taken to social media to share footage of Hurricane Milton as it rips through the US state.
Hurricane Milton is tracking across central Florida after making landfall on the state's west coast, whipping up deadly tornadoes, destroying homes and knocking out power to more than 3 million customers.
The hurricane made landfall as a Category 3 storm in a densely populated area on the US state's western coast at around 8.30pm local time last night (1.30am Irish time) with sustained winds of 195km/h near Siesta Key.
At least two deaths were reported at a retirement community following a suspected tornado in Fort Pierce on the eastern coast of Florida, NBC News reported, citing St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson. His department did not immediately respond to a request for details.
By early this morning, wind speeds reduced to a still dangerous 150km/h, dropping Milton to a Category 1 hurricane, with heavy rains and damaging storm surges.
One Tampa resident gained fame for his survival plans - a homeless man nicknamed 'Lieutenant Dan' decided to stay in his boat as sea levels rose up to 15ft in some areas.
The hurricane has also ripped the roof off Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium.
The stadium had been designated to be a refuge for thousands of evacuees and emergency workers.