Weather
Video: Tornado on the ground southeast of LaGrange, reports of significant damage
A powerful tornado touched down southeast of LaGrange, Indiana, causing substantial damage to multiple homes and resulting in several injuries.
Emergency crews are on the scene assessing the extent of the damage and providing aid to those affected.
Residents in the area are advised to shelter in place and avoid traveling unless necessary.
A photograph has been circulating online showing what appears to be a tornado near Royer Lake in LaGrange County, east of Valentine.
The tornado is visible behind the tree line in the area of 300 South and 300 East.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
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.