The number of fatalities resulting from Hurricane Milton is steadily increasing. Here are the key details you need to be aware of.

The number of fatalities resulting from Hurricane Milton and the accompanying tornadoes continues to increase, with officials confirming a minimum of 17 deaths. As Florida mourns, Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized that further fatalities from the storm's aftermath could likely be avoided if residents adhere to safety warnings.  "We have experienced fatalities due to interactions with downed power lines and floodwaters. Hazards remain present. Therefore, I urge everyone to exercise caution. Avoid wading into floodwaters, be mindful when using ladders, and ensure that generators are operated outside your home," DeSantis stated during a news conference in St. Petersburg on Friday. Additional important updates include: Cleanup and recovery initiatives: Duke Energy, Florida's largest power provider, has advised residents to exercise caution while clearing debris, as live power lines may be concealed beneath the wreckage. During a visit to Hillsborough County to assess the damage caused by Milton, Senator Rick Scott also urged residents to take necessary precautions during the cleanup process. He reminded them to refrain from driving through standing water, avoid touching downed power lines, and never operate generators indoors. Governor DeSantis remarked on Friday that the crane collapse into a large office building in St. Petersburg during Hurricane Milton should not prompt increased regulations for construction companies to prevent such incidents. Post-storm evaluations: According to a storm damage survey conducted by the National Weather Service in Miami, Hurricane Milton generated an exceptionally powerful tornado in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This tornado is noted as the strongest to emerge from a tropical system in the state in over fifty years. The preliminary EF3 rating may be revised upward based on further damage assessments, which are expected to take several days. Additionally, Milton caused significant storm surge along Florida's Gulf Coast, resulting in water levels rising between 5 to 10 feet above ground level.