OHIO — Ohio Task Force 1 gave an update on its mission in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Milton. 

What You Need To Know

  • Not only were areas hit by flooding, but there were also more than 120 tornado warnings issued

  • It was the second most tornado warnings ever issued in one day in Florida

  • Ohio Task Force 1 is still in Florida and has carried out search and rescue efforts

"The damage is intense," said Task Force Leader Adam Landis. "I was really proud of our team on so many levels as they worked cohesively to clear structures and find those missing. Our hearts go out to the people of Port Saint Lucie and all those affected.”

 

The team departed for Florida on Monday after having just returned from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. After waiting a few days for Hurricane Milton to make landfall and trudge its way through the state, OTF-1 began search and rescue missions.

Not only did the hurricane affect many Florida cities with flooding and wind damage, the storm spawned multiple tornadoes. There were a total of 126 tornado warnings issued in the state, which was the second most tornado warnings ever issued in one day, and the most ever in Florida or from a tropical system. 

One of those areas hit by tornadoes included Saint Lucie, which the team was assigned to search for people who had been injured or trapped. They also searched for missing people, as well as documented structural damage. The team said they also rescued a dog.

OTF-1 said it searched more than 250 structures, and only three of them didn't have damage. More than 60 structures were completely destroyed. 

The team is currently waiting and is on standby back at their base in Orlando. 

"All members are safe, healthy and in good spirits," Ohio Task Force 1 wrote in a Facebook post. "The team remains mission ready."

As of Thursday evening, officials said at least eight people have died. 

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