"This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history".
That's the grim admission by US President Joe Biden, speaking the day after Hurricane Ian made landfall, bringing with it scenes of heartache and destruction.
A 74-year-old man from Volusia County, northeast of Orlando, has been confirmed as the first fatality. It's reported he went out during the storm to try to drain his pool and died.
But the full toll of the storm can't be quantified just yet, as rescuers continue to scour the streets.
Hurricane Ian peaked as a category four storm, slamming the state with 250-kilometre-per hour winds, severe flooding and storm surges.
First responders are busy rescuing people stranded and trapped inside their homes by floodwaters. Fort Myers is one of the worst-hit areas, where people are being plucked off from rooftops.
Kevin Anderson, the city's mayor, says he knows of "several" fatalities, but is unaware of their circumstances.
President Joe Biden has declared nine counties major disaster zones, unlocking federal money to help local recovery efforts.
The funds will cover some costs involved with search and rescue, the upcoming rebuild of public infrastructure, plus insurance on homes.
Kirby Wilson from the Tampa Bay Times spoke to Guyon Espiner.
