A powerful EF2 tornado tore through Seminole County, Florida, on Monday morning, causing significant damage to homes, uprooting trees, and overturning a semi-truck. The radar-confirmed twister struck Lake Mary before continuing its destructive path into Sanford, leaving residents stunned by its intensity.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado packed peak winds of 115 mph, enough to rip apart structures and scatter debris across neighborhoods. Residents in Seminole, Volusia, and Sarasota counties were placed under tornado warnings as the storm system moved swiftly through central Florida. The warnings signified an imminent tornado threat, as opposed to a tornado watch, which only indicates favorable conditions for tornado formation.
The violent winds wreaked havoc on multiple properties, with emergency responders rushing to assess the extent of the damage. The Seminole County Fire Department reported that one home was completely destroyed, though miraculously, the two occupants inside emerged unharmed. Emergency crews urged residents to avoid affected areas as they conducted search and rescue operations and damage assessments.
Local news coverage captured dramatic footage of the tornado as it crossed Interstate 4, sending debris flying. Tower cameras near FOX 35 Orlando in Lake Mary showed the swirling vortex moving dangerously close to the news station, prompting employees to take shelter under their desks. Residents took to social media to share their experiences, with one Lake Mary resident, Mike Lever, posting about the sudden impact of the storm. He described hearing powerful gusts striking his home while losing electricity in the process.
One of the most alarming incidents involved a semi-truck that was flipped by the tornado’s force near Lake Emma Road and Commerce Street. The driver and his dog, who were inside the vehicle at the time, miraculously survived without injury. First responders expressed relief that no one was seriously harmed despite the intensity of the storm.
Drone footage captured the aftermath, revealing homes with roofs torn off, trees snapped in half, and scattered debris across lawns and streets. In Longwood, another area hit hard by the storm, multiple homes suffered extensive damage, leaving homeowners grappling with the sudden devastation.
The tornado touched down at approximately 9:40 a.m. EDT, and by the time it dissipated, it had left a trail of destruction in its wake. Fortunately, no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, but officials continue to monitor the situation closely. Cleanup efforts are underway as crews work to restore power, clear debris, and provide assistance to those affected.
As Florida residents recover from this frightening event, meteorologists emphasize the importance of staying prepared during severe weather season. With the unpredictable nature of tornadoes, officials urge residents to remain vigilant and heed warnings to stay safe.
