Florida man living on boat explains why he's choosing to ride out hurricane

Hurricane Milton is anticipated to be one of the most destructive storms to hit Florida in over a century, but some residents are still refusing to get out before it strikes.

The storm has now made landfall and Today US correspondent, Alison Piotrowski was live on the ground in Tampa this morning.

But she was ready to get out of dodge the second things start to look dangerous.

LIVE UPDATES: All the latest news as Hurricane Milton approaches

"We are starting to really feel things pick up, the rain is coming in sideways, the winds are coming in gusts, but the worst is definitely yet to come," Ali said.

"It has taken a bit of a turn in the last hour and is now making its way directly towards where I am in Tampa."

Ali said the weather has caused a fair bit of devastation across other parts of Florida, with 10 confirmed tornadoes on the ground and at least another 50 tornado warnings in place.

"There's also been some severe damage in Fort Myers with roofs ripped from houses and power lines and trees coming down as well," she said.

Ali confirmed there is a major concern there will be a storm surge there in Tampa, with waves greater than five metres and Tampa Bay directly in the firing line.

READ MORE: Florida residents in hurricane's path praying it's no as bad as authorities warn

But some residents are still choosing to stay and face the storm, including Julian Malinowski, who has become known online as Florida's own Lieutenant Dan.

Julian is an amputee and cancer survivor who lives on a small boat in the bay and is facing arrest by order of the Florida Mayor for his own safety.

But he has ridden out past hurricanes, including Helene last month and he is determined to do the same this time around.

"People in Australia are watching and they just want to know why you've decided to ride out this storm," Ali asked Julian as waves rocked his boat.

"Because I believe in God and I have faith that God will protect me and his not going to let anything happen to me," he said.

Follow all the latest updates on Hurricane Milton here