Hurricane Ian chaos as alligator stalks flooded street during TV news report

This is the moment an enormous alligator was seen swimming in floodwaters on a residential street after Hurricane Ian.

The huge reptile appeared during an NBC News report when reporter Jesse Kirsch spotted the animal as he reported on the storm in Orlando on Friday.

He told viewers: "Whenever we cover floods, we are always trying to stress that you do not want to go into the waters.

"This is about as good a reason why as you should not go in the water. And I do not know if that is the same alligator that had been hanging out in the front yard right near us."

The alligator was seen in a neighbourhood which is near water.

Residents had been spotted walking the flooded street just moments before the reptile was seen.

On Friday, boats were still rescuing residents from their homes but as the afternoon arrived the storm had fortunately calmed down.

The rain eased and even sunshine broke through as NBC reporter Jesse told viewers the water was slowing going.

Jesse said: "The water is receding but it is still holding a good amount, it is not draining that quickly here."

It comes just days after officials warned fellow Floridians to stay out of floodwaters after a number of different animals were seen lurking in the waters.

The Collier County government tweeted on Thursday: "Flood water is dangerous. We've received reports of sewage, alligators and snakes in flood water in our community. Please stay away."

Videos on social media had shown another 9ft alligator swimming through a neighbourhood in Fort Myers on Wednesday morning.

Some social media users believed it was a shark but according to local marine specialists it was most likely a reptile.

Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said the storms cause wildlife to be more active which means residents should avoid the water.

The officials tweeted: "You may be more likely to see alligators, snakes and bears, so remember to stay alert and give them space."

Residents were being urged not to go in the floodwaters as it can increase the risk of drowning.

The water can also be filled with dangerous floating objects and be contaminated.

Florida's Division of Emergency Management said fallen power lines can electrically charge the water and create a dangerous hazard which could be fatal.

Emergency services also warned people not to drive through the flooded roads as "nearly half of all people killed in floods are those who try driving through flooded areas."

Ambulances and fire services were struggle to get to some locals as flooded areas were full of abandoned cars which were struggling to move after stalling in the storm.