Rescue efforts were underway Thursday as Ian barreled northeast across Florida, cutting off power to more than 2.6 million people and leaving a wide swath of floodwater and destruction. President Joe Biden said the storm could be the deadliest hurricane in Floridas history.

Were hearing early reports of what may be substantial loss of life, the president said after a Federal Emergency Management Agency briefing Thursday afternoon.

The danger is real, to state the obvious, Biden said. Dont go outside unless you absolutely have to. Its risky for you and it impedes first responders from doing their job.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), at an earlier news conference, described floodwaters across the state as historic.