Powerful Fla. Storms Kill 19, Raze Homes - El Nino blamed

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Disaster crews with dogs went from one pile of debris to another in a search for bodies Friday after powerful storms, including at least one tornado, smashed hundreds of homes across central Florida and killed 19 people or more.

[...]

Lake County spokesman Christopher Patton said there were 19 confirmed deaths, all in Lake County, about 50 miles northwest of Orlando.

[...]

Volusia County reported a preliminary estimate of $80 million in damage involving 500 properties.

[...]

Friday's storms were reminiscent of past tornados during years where El Nino was a weather factor, as it was again in this case, said state meteorologist Ben Nelson.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070203/D8N1UPQO1.html

Edited February 3, 2007 by Gupt

[Fandango 1,440]

I live in Volusia county. this place has been decimated in parts I had to go into a different part of VL county which was somewhat hit and it took me 3 hours to drive 3 miles.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

This was a pretty bad one, apparently. It's only an hour or so from here and we had nothing but a few medium T-storms that morning. Lots of thunder and lightning but not much in terms of wind. Any strong storm, most certainly a F2 or even F3 tornado - they're still working out what it was - is going to cause major damage in a state full of trailers and mobile home retirement communities.

[Ban Hammer 14,426]

This was a pretty bad one, apparently. It's only an hour or so from here and we had nothing but a few medium T-storms that morning. Lots of thunder and lightning but not much in terms of wind. Any strong storm, most certainly a F2 or even F3 tornado - they're still working out what it was - is going to cause major damage in a state full of trailers and mobile home retirement communities.

told you there are tarnaders in florida!

[MandR 0]

We just can't seem to catch a break here in the Sunshine State..............

[Robor007 0]

Had some serious winds but no major damage in my area (Palm Harbor - about 30 minutes west of Tampa). I was shocked to hear how bad it was just a little bit north. Very sad.

[Scott & Lai 12]

I checked with Stina & Suj; they're an hour or more out of the danger area

[Fandango 1,440]

I personally know of 6 people who died there's no way the death toll is right

[MPGGPM 0]

I was in Miami when Hurricane Andrew hit. I now live about 15-20 miles north of where the tornadoes touched down. I can tell you.....there have been other hurricanes which have come through the central Florida area, including several the past few years, and each time, guess because I am too far north, it has always seemed like a false alarm. Some winds...rain...but not much more.

But the other night, I woke up at 1 -2 am or so.....to um....take care of business .........and I just KNEW something was up. I actually went back to bed, but I listened to the rain....and I have not heard anything so loud and windy since Hurricane Andrew.

The next morning, I learned why. I wasn't close enough to get hit by the tornadoes (thank god).......but near enough that I apparently got some pretty bad swirling winds and rain etc. ......it just did NOT sound normal that night, but had I any idea it was THAT bad, no way would I have gone back to bed.

Now, if it was this bad just 15-20 miles north of where they touched down, I can only imagine what it was like in the Villages and in Lady Lake.

[isleta521 5]

Just terrible

[brnidokiegurl 1]

Sorry Lisa