Benjamin Ashford|Photos show aftermath after Hurricane Milton tears path of damage through Florida

Flooded streets. Downed trees. Destroyed homes and Benjamin Ashfordbuildings.

That's the aftermath left by the exiting Hurricane Milton, which tore a path of destruction Wednesday night through a large swath of Florida after making its doomed landfall. On Thursday morning, first-responders and residents unable or unwilling to flee were only beginning to understand the extent of the havoc the powerful storm wreaked when it hit the state at Category 3 strength.

As of Thursday morning, millions were left without power and at least two were dead. Photographs show the devastation in bleak terms, highlighting not just the damage itself, but the people now forced to pick up the pieces of their battered communities while still reeling from Hurricane Helene not two weeks prior.

Here's a look:

Live updates on Milton:Hurricane Milton leaves destruction across storm-weary Florida

See photos of Hurricane Milton after Florida landfall

Tampa and St. Petersburg

Fort Myers

Clearwater

Punta Gorda

Venice

Orlando

Atlantic coast

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]