Weather
At least 15 killed after tornado hits Spanish Lakes Country Club Village in Fort Pierce
Over 100 personnel are involved in the search and rescue operations.
A series of powerful tornadoes tore through a Fort Pierce community on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in multiple fatalities.
St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed that deaths had occurred at Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, located on Spanish Lakes Boulevard, but did not provide an exact number of casualties.
In an interview, Sheriff Pearson explained that his deputies and state emergency crews would be conducting door-to-door searches in the community, which is situated off Turnpike Feeder Road, west of Route 1.
Over 100 personnel are involved in the search and rescue operations.
“This is like nothing we’ve ever seen,” Pearson said, describing a scene where between six and twelve confirmed high-strength tornadoes ravaged the area within a 20-minute period. “We are doing everything possible to search the area, check the residences, and rescue anyone trapped inside,” he pledged.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and the National Guard are all providing support to the affected area.
Sheriff Pearson also confirmed that the SLCSO hangar was completely destroyed by a tornado, resulting in a loss estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
The 10,000 square foot steel structure housed the department’s vehicles.
Reports of potential tornado activity have emerged in the Katy Hockley and Bridgeland areas. However, as of now, there have been no calls regarding structural damage or injuries associated with these reports.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Southeast Texas from Friday night through Saturday morning. Drivers should exercise caution and be prepared for significantly reduced visibility during the morning commute.
- Spotty rain showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible ahead of an approaching cold front.
- Coastal areas may experience some early storm activity around sunrise, though these storms are not expected to match the intensity of the severe weather experienced on Thursday.
- A cold front will move through the region, bringing scattered storms. While the overall risk of severe weather remains low, there is a 2 out of 5 chance (Slight Risk) for isolated severe storms.
- Residents across Southeast Texas are advised to stay alert, as conditions can change rapidly.
- The line of storms is expected to clear the area by approximately 5:00 PM on Saturday as the front pushes eastward toward Louisiana.
High-pressure systems will move in behind the cold front, providing a calmer and more stable weather pattern. Expect drier conditions and cooler temperatures on Sunday.
- Stay updated with local weather alerts and forecasts.
- Exercise caution while driving during foggy conditions or heavy rainfall.
- Have a plan in place and know where to seek shelter if severe weather develops.
The National Weather Service and local authorities will continue to provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to monitor conditions and stay safe throughout the weekend.