Tornado Hits Lake Mary, Florida, Causing Extensive Damage

LAKE MARY, Fla. – An EF2 tornado struck the Lake Mary area of Central Florida on Monday morning, causing significant damage just minutes after a tornado warning was issued.

The tornado touched down at approximately 9:36 a.m., with peak winds reaching 115 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne. This storm traversed Markham Woods Road and continued towards Lake Mary, crossing Interstate 4 as it approached the FOX 35 studio.

Alan Harris, spokesperson for Seminole County Emergency Management, confirmed reports of widespread destruction, including a collapsed home in Longwood and multiple overturned vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

“An EF-2 tornado this time of year is a rare occurrence in Florida,” said NWS meteorologist Brooks Garner during a live broadcast. “Usually, 90% of tornadoes in Florida are rated EF0 or EF1.”

Garner was on air tracking the tornado warning for Seminole and Volusia counties when the tornado crossed over the FOX 35 studio. He urged coworkers to take cover, stating, “Debris is on the roof right now. We’re hearing… you can see the debris flying there on the camera. This is a tornado! Seek shelter immediately.”

The storms came as part of a larger weather system that moved quickly across Central Florida, bringing severe thunderstorms and heavy rain.

The National Weather Service later held a press conference to confirm the tornado’s classification. Teams will continue to survey damage throughout the day to assess the extent of the tornado’s impact.

Witnesses described the swift transition from calm weather to chaos, with one resident recalling how they were urged to seek shelter just moments before the tornado struck. “It was a wild mess when we got here,” a local tree worker noted about the debris cleanup effort.

Emergency crews responded rapidly, with Seminole County Fire Rescue aiding in emergency operations across impacted neighborhoods.

The tornado formed as part of a severe weather system moving through the region, with additional tornado watches also issued. A tornado watch indicates that conditions are favorable for tornado formation.

Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary as cleanup efforts continue. As of Monday afternoon, around 3,500 residents were reported without power due to downed lines and related damage.

This tornado is a stark reminder of the severe weather risks in Florida, especially during the spring season. Residents are urged to have safety plans in place and to heed weather alerts from the National Weather Service.