The deadly storm surge feared for Tampa appears not to have materialized, though the situation in the area was still a major emergency.

Storm surge and hurricane watches were issued for Florida's Gulf Coast, and a hurricane warning was issued for parts of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

More than 4 million homes and businesses were without power Friday morning in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Authorities warn that storm surges of up to 20 feet could also wreak catastrophic damage.