- EF-2 tornado hit Central Florida on Monday morning.
- Winds reached speeds of up to 115 mph.
- At least one home was destroyed, several damaged.
- Overturned vehicles, fallen trees, and debris were widespread.
- No injuries were reported, but 500 residents lost power.
A powerful EF-2 tornado wreaked havoc across Central Florida, leaving widespread damage and a path of destruction on Monday morning. The tornado, with winds reaching 115 mph, struck at around 9:40 a.m. in Lake Mary before moving northeast at 30 mph, cutting a nearly two-mile-long path through the region.
The National Weather Service confirmed the storm’s intensity, confirming that the tornado was an EF-2, which is capable of causing significant damage. It affected areas in Seminole, Volusia, and Sarasota counties, prompting tornado warnings throughout the region.
The tornado, which was visibly captured by cameras, moved across Interstate 4 just north of Orlando and even passed in front of a local TV station while a meteorologist was live on air. As the twister made its way across Central Florida, it caused substantial damage.
Officials reported overturned semi-trailers, fallen trees, scattered debris, and destroyed structures. Roof shingles, garage doors, and car parts were among the debris seen in the affected areas. Emergency officials confirmed that the most significant damage was in Seminole County, with downed trees obstructing access to several areas.
A Home Collapses but No Injuries
In Longwood, one of the hardest-hit areas, a home on Blue Iris Road collapsed while two people were inside. The tornado’s impact caused the house to crumble on all sides except for one front corner. Fortunately, the residents had sought shelter in that corner and were unharmed when they managed to escape. Firefighters worked quickly to ensure that the area was safe.
Despite the extensive damage, no injuries were reported from the tornado’s destruction.
As the day turned to night, officials reported that approximately 500 residents in affected areas were still without power. In response, they assured the public that utility companies, such as Duke Energy and Florida Power & Light, were working tirelessly to restore service.
Authorities also warned residents about the dangers of downed power lines, urging everyone to stay clear of these hazards to avoid electrocution.
A Regular Threat: Florida’s Tornado Risk
Florida experiences an average of 46 tornadoes annually, according to the National Weather Service. Monday’s EF-2 tornado serves as a reminder of the unpredictable weather patterns that often sweep across the state.
Local emergency management teams are continuing to monitor the situation and provide assistance where necessary. While this storm left significant damage behind, officials remain focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.
In conclusion, the EF-2 tornado that tore through Central Florida on Monday morning left widespread damage, but thanks to prompt warnings and swift action by emergency teams, no lives were lost. As authorities continue their recovery efforts, residents are urged to remain cautious, especially near fallen power lines. With power being restored and debris cleaned up, the community remains resilient in the face of natural disasters.