Hermine uprooted trees, flooded streets and blew out power Friday as the hurricane swept across Florida's Gulf coast, grinding down to tropical strength as it moved north into Georgia. A homeless man was killed by a falling tree, Florida Governor Rick Scott said. There were no other reports of injuries but emergency crews worked "non-stop" overnight, rescuing 18 people from rising flood waters in Florida's Pascoe country, and several families in Hernando County, Scott said.
"Today, we know there is a lot of work left to do following this storm," the governor said in a statement. "The number one thing is to stay safe," he said. "Life-threatening coastal flooding and rip currents will continue and we must all remain vigilant." Overall, the region appeared to have weathered the storm well, to the relief of local officials. "Things are great here," said Van Johnson, the mayor of Apalachicola, near where Hermine roared ashore at hurricane strength around 1:30 am local time (0530 GMT).
"We didn't experience any of the expected storm surges, damage to property. Things are great. The city fared well," he told CNN.
Crews were out clearing away fallen trees and branches, and looking for downed power lines. Scott said 253,000 people were without power. "Stay out of standing water especially near power lines," Scott advised Floridians. Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum said many power lines and trees were down and 100,000 customers left without electricity in his area. "Our crews are right now out and surveying the damage," he told CNN. He warned residents to stay inside while the authorities ensured there was no threat from live downed power lines and other potential dangers. "If you don't have to be out, don't go out," he said.