Hurricane Ian devastated Florida, causing massive floods and property damage. At least 17 people have died already, with homes flooded and roads cut off due to the flooding. Millions of Floridians were also left without power in Hurricane Ian's wake.

President Joe Biden said, "This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida's history." He admitted that the numbers are still unclear, but early reports have stated that there may be a substantial loss of life.

Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis agreed with Biden when he said Ian could be the deadliest in the state's history. He stated that the hurricane is "shaping up to be the largest natural disaster in state history."

The 'Substantial Loss of Life' From Hurricane Ian

According to CNN, at least 17 deaths have been reported in connection with Hurricane Ian. At least 14 of whom came from southwest and central Florida. Charlotte County, Florida has reported at least eight or nine deaths in their area, while one person died in hospice care in died in Osceola County.

A 72-year-old man in Deltona died overnight after he went outside during the storm. He reportedly was trying to drain his swimming pool. Meanwhile, over in Sarasota Country, there were two hurricane-related deaths reported.

Biden was at FEMA's National Response Coordination Center, helping coordinate the government's response.

"We know many families are hurting, our entire country hurts with them," he stated.

Biden also urged everyone to take warnings from local officials seriously and stay safe and remain indoors.

"The danger is real, to state the obvious. Please obey all warnings and direction from emergency officials," Biden said.

READ MORE: Hurricane Ian Update: Blackouts in Cuba While People Trapped Inside Their Homes in Florida

Pres. Joe Biden to Visit Florida and Puerto Rico as Hurricane Ian Heads to Different States

According to the Associated Press, Biden stated he will be visiting Florida and meet with Governor Ron DeSantis about the current situation there when conditions allow it. Currently, Ian is still ravaging parts of the state and making travel to affected areas difficult.

Biden also promised to visit Puerto Rico. The U.S. territory was recently devastated by Hurricane Fiona, leaving millions in the island without power. Residents are also suffering from a lack of potable water.

Despite their political differences, Biden and DeSantis spoke before Hurricane Ian hit. They reportedly spoke again on Thursday morning as Ian began its way through the Sunshine State. Both state and federal governments are coordinating rescue efforts across Florida.

Ian has been dubbed one of the most devastating storms in U.S. history. It weakened to a Category 2 storm from a Category 4, but has since regained strength and is expected to slam into the Carolinas and Georgia. It has already devastated much of Florida, as well as Cuba.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the winds have increased to 75 mph. They are warning that "life-threatening flooding, storm surge and strong winds'' will be coming to Georgia, as well as North and South Carolina.

READ NEXT: Hurricane Fiona Update: Joe Biden Promises 100% Help for Puerto Rico After Major Disaster

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Florida resident returns home for first time after Hurricane Ian - CNN