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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.

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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:

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  • 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.

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.

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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.


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Weather

Major flooding issues across parts of St. Louis Missouri

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Significant flooding has impacted multiple areas throughout St. Louis, Missouri, causing widespread disruption and damage.

Heavy rainfall over recent hours has led to swollen rivers, overwhelmed storm drains, and flooded streets, leaving parts of the city and surrounding communities submerged.

Many neighborhoods in St. Louis are experiencing road closures as floodwaters make some streets impassable.

Emergency services have been responding to calls for assistance from residents stranded in their homes or vehicles, while local authorities have urged drivers to avoid any roads covered in water. Numerous vehicles have already been abandoned due to stalled engines and rising waters.

Reports indicate that several businesses and residential properties have been affected by water damage, with basements, parking garages, and lower floors flooding in low-lying areas.

In some neighborhoods, floodwaters have reached several feet, posing risks to both property and public safety. Local officials have opened temporary shelters for those displaced by the rising waters, and utility crews are on standby to address potential power outages in affected areas.

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The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for the St. Louis area, advising residents to monitor weather updates and stay alert for any changes in conditions.

Flash flooding remains a concern, as the saturated ground and overwhelmed drainage systems are expected to exacerbate any additional rainfall.

As emergency crews work tirelessly to manage the situation, authorities are urging the public to stay off the roads, seek higher ground if necessary, and remain indoors until conditions improve.

Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to prepare for potential evacuation and secure belongings that could be affected by water damage.


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