Hurricane Milton latest: Nine dead from Hurricane Milton – as authorities warn of aftershocks | US news

“I’m glad we’re staying…but it was really scary to go through.”

These are the words of Summerna Khan, a Florida resident and mother of four who decided to stay indoors last night when Hurricane Milton hit.

He told Sky News this afternoon that he had renovated his house last year, adding storm-proof features such as a metal roof and reinforced windows, beyond what is required in his local area.

“We went to a safe place downstairs and stayed there all night,” he explained.

“I don’t want to run away every time with four children, but it’s a challenge.”

The family doesn’t live in a flood zone, but their area was at risk from high winds, he said.

The trees penetrated the roofs of five different houses in his area. One had a metal roof but the others were left with gaping holes in the roof.

Despite his precautions and circumstances that mean he can’t leave easily, the experience takes its toll every time a hurricane hits.

Mrs Khan said: “I can’t explain the level of stress and anxiety.

“It is very strong, the wind howls, the rain does not stop.

“At one point my daughter was looking out the window and kept saying, ‘mum, I’m seeing blue flashes’. I couldn’t figure out what it was until I realized it was the electrical transformers.”

He added that his neighbors were also scared and took refuge in their houses.

Boil water advisories have been issued as the area deals with the aftermath.

Power is usually restored within 24 hours, but this time it is unclear when services will be restored, Khan added.