Russell Brand has claimed that he found God in the middle of Hurricane Milton, despite being hundreds of miles away from the eye of the storm.

Speaking from Miami, which was not directly in Milton’s path, Brand said: “In the middle of this crazy storm [it is] worth thinking how the metaphor of the storm affects us all”.

“Like animals, I think we can feel something unusual is happening,” the British comedian-turned-podcaster said.

He added: “The storm I suppose is a demonstration of the almighty power that is beyond our control.

“As a metaphor it helps me to understand that I must listen and watch for Christ.”

Some 27 tornadoes struck Florida on Wednesday, killing at least two pensioners as Hurricane Milton generated powerful storm surges and freak winds into Thursday.

Florida’s west coast has been the worst affected, with Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Myers suffering devastating storm surges and winds of up to 120 mph.

It then moved eastwards, barrelling through central and eastern Florida towards Orlando, where flash flood warnings were in place.

Milton is not thought to have caused much of an impact in Miami, south Florida, where Brand said he was staying.

Baptised in River Thames

Brand revealed in April that he had been baptised as a Christian by Bear Grylls in the River Thames.

“I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself,” he wrote.

He has been increasingly vocal about his recently-acquired faith, including when he appeared on Tucker Carlson’s live show last month.

“Christ chooses us,” Brand said during the show. “I wish I had known earlier. I wish I hadn’t thought that I was too clever for the religion of my grandmothers.”

He then closed out the event by dropping onto his knees after Carlson invited him to pray.

“I pray in the Lord’s name that the forthcoming election be an opportunity for unity for America and for Americans, for forgiveness and for grace,” he said as he closed out the show.

In his post to X on Thursday, Brand compared living through the storm with Peter seeing Christ walk on water – it served as a reminder, Brand said, to always “keep your eyes fixed on the Lord”.

Last year, Brand was interviewed by police in connection with historic sex allegations following a joint investigation by The Times, The Sunday Times, and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

There have been no arrests, and Brand has denied any wrongdoing.