Weather
At least 15 killed so far in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak
Sheriff Pearson stated that well over 100 homes throughout the county have been lost due to the severe weather.
A series of powerful tornadoes swept through St. Lucie County on Wednesday, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and widespread damage.
The tornadoes touched down around 4:30 PM as Hurricane Milton approached the Florida coast.
First responders are currently conducting search and rescue operations and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple deaths at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community located near Fort Pierce.
Seven locations in St. Lucie County suffered significant damage:
- Spanish Lakes Country Club
- Portofino Shores
- Holiday Pines
- Lakewood Park
- South Florida Logistics Center 95
- Sunnier Palms Park and Campground
- St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office garage
Emergency officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and remain indoors until it is safe to leave.
A video posted on St. Lucie County’s official Facebook page shows a tornado ripping through a parking lot in the area of Orange Avenue and South Rock Road.
At least 15 people are killed so far in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak. Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed multiple people were killed at the Spanish Lakes Country Club, a senior community off Spanish Lakes Boulevard near Fort Pierce. pic.twitter.com/jDITBprZVz— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) October 10, 2024
St. Lucie County has opened an additional emergency shelter at Fort Pierce Central High School for displaced residents.
Dozens of agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, are assisting in the response efforts.
Sheriff Pearson stated that well over 100 homes throughout the county have been lost due to the severe weather.
The state has deployed approximately 100 search and rescue personnel to aid local agencies.
State officials confirmed 126 tornado warnings, with 19 confirmed touchdowns. At least five of the seven reported tornadoes in Broward, Palm Beach, and Treasure Coast counties have been confirmed through photographic or video evidence.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued 98 tornado warnings on Wednesday afternoon, with the Miami office issuing a record 55 of those warnings.
The NWS will be conducting storm surveys to determine the strength of the tornadoes, but no preliminary EF-Scale ratings have been assigned as of Thursday morning.
Kevin Guthrie, the director of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, said that multiple task forces are headed to the affected areas. He also stated that approximately 125 homes were destroyed statewide, primarily mobile homes in senior communities.
Weather
Major flooding occurring in Hurley, Virginia – Flash Flood Emergency declared

Hurley, VA – Authorities have declared a Flash Flood Emergency for Hurley, Virginia, as severe flooding submerges large portions of the community.
Nearby areas, including Grundy and Slate Creek, are also experiencing significant flood conditions, with emergency responders working to address the escalating crisis.
Heavy and persistent rainfall across regions of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia has led to dangerous flooding, affecting homes, roadways, and critical infrastructure.
The Hurley area is currently inundated with rising waters, prompting urgent warnings for residents to seek higher ground and avoid flooded areas.
Emergency services have issued a Flash Flood Emergency—the most serious type of flood alert—indicating immediate life-threatening conditions and extensive property damage.
The flooding extends beyond Hurley, impacting nearby areas such as Grundy and Slate Creek, where water levels continue to rise.
Local officials report impassable roads, stranded residents, and ongoing rescue operations.
Emergency management teams are actively working to assist affected residents, while public safety officials urge the community to:
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways and low-lying areas.
- Seek higher ground immediately if located in flood-prone zones.
- Follow local emergency alerts and evacuation orders.
Meteorologists warn that additional rainfall is expected to exacerbate conditions, prolonging the risk of flash flooding across the region. Residents are advised to stay informed through official weather channels and heed all safety advisories.
This is a developing situation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.