Hurricane Milton`s death toll hits 16

Officials have confirmed at least 16 people have died in Hurricane Milton, reports BBC.

The rising death toll is likely to continue mounting in the coming days as crews in Florida get a better picture of Milton's destructive path.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed the toll to CBS News, the BBC's US news partner.

According to the US National Hurricane Center in Miami, the maximum storm surge observed by Milton was between 5-10ft (1.5-3 meters).

"Preliminary post-landfall analysis of storm surge from Hurricane Milton indicates peak water levels reached 5 to 10 feet above ground level between Siesta Key, FL and Ft Myers Beach, FL, including Charlotte Harbor," the NHC said.

A more thorough assessment will take weeks to complete.

Ahead of the hurricane's arrival, officials had warned that storm surge levels could reach as high as 15ft.

Meanwhile, all tropical and storm surge warnings have been discontinued._Agencies.