Oct 11 (Reuters) - AutoNation ( AN ) said that it closed

38 sites in Florida as Hurricane Milton damaged several of the

auto retailer's locations in the region.

Early assessments showed many of the locations sustained

wind or water damage, CEO Mike Manley said in a statement.

AutoNation ( AN ) said it had closed many sites in impacted regions

before the storm hit, and added it hopes to reopen them as soon

as power is restored and repairs made over the next 24 to 48

hours.

Gasoline was sold out at many fuel stations in Florida and

the storm also knocked out power to 3.4 million homes and

businesses.