We got heavy rain and somewhat high winds here about 20 miles north of Orlando beginning around 4 am (it woke me up) and continuing until about 6 am. The tornado first touched down about 30-35 miles north of me at The Villages and appears to have stayed on the ground cutting a swath due east straight through Deland.
There are small towns (like Paisley) in between that got hit hard also. There will be a lot of people who didn't survive this hit. They say that one of the hospitals in Deland is full and they're referring them to Fish Hospital nearby. What a night those poor souls went through.
We had plenty of warning that heavy weather was on the way and because of the fact that it would be coming in from the Gulf side of Florida, there would be a high probability of rotation (tornadic activity). People who live in mobile homes should pay special attention to reports of bad weather coming in from the west side of the state.
This one even damaged / flattened concrete block homes, too, though, so you know it was a very large tornado.
Good to hear so many reports coming in on the thread that people are okay. Stay safe, everyone.
Leni
My best friend and maid of honor, lives in New Symrna Beach and her daughter and grandson live in another residence on the Beach as well.
I can't get them on the phone..How bad is it over there???
sw
In fact, I had gotten on the roof yesterday morning to reinforce a suspicious area and finally discovered the leak that has been flooding my dining room for almost a year... patched it with fibered roof cement and this morning found the dining room dry after all that driving rain. I am elated... I guess out of character with all the tragedy round about... but I am very pleased for my part.
Prayers for all who have problems to cope with. /:-|