Florida Hit by Destructive Tornado for Second Consecutive Day, Causing Widespread Damage and Power Outages
Florida has been hit by a second consecutive day of severe weather, following a destructive tornado that spun through residential areas of South Florida on Saturday evening. The tornado, classified as an EF-2 on the Fujita scale, caused widespread damage in Palm Beach Gardens, about 75 miles north of Miami. The storm flipped cars, snapped trees, and knocked out power for thousands of residents. The National Weather Service estimated winds of 130 miles per hour, putting the tornado in the “strong” category.
The storm shattered windows of homes and cars, damaged a large construction vehicle, and blew away a park bench. Branches flew dangerously in the wind, and trees collapsed on vehicles in the neighborhood of Sanctuary Cove in nearby North Palm Beach. Despite the extent of the destruction, the Palm Beach Gardens city government said that no injuries were reported.
On Sunday morning, fresh tornado warnings were issued in multiple communities, including Palm Beach County. While no additional tornadoes were reported, hundreds of residents were still without power on Sunday morning. Across the state, thousands of customers were without power on Saturday night, according to PowerOutage.us.
The United States logs more than 1,000 tornadoes annually, more than any other country in the world. The most deadly tornado in recent years occurred in 2011 when a storm that tore through Joplin, Mo., killed more than 150 people. Last month, a tornado in rural Mississippi devastated mobile homes and killed at least two dozen people.
Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common from March to May in the southern states and from May to June in the northern states. The National Weather Service advises residents to have a plan in place to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. This includes staying informed about weather conditions, knowing where to go if a tornado warning is issued, and having an emergency kit on hand.
While tornadoes cannot be prevented, there are steps residents can take to minimize damage and keep themselves safe. This includes seeking shelter in a sturdy building or underground shelter, away from windows and exterior walls. Residents are advised to stay inside until the storm has passed and to avoid driving on flooded roads or through debris.
As climate change continues to impact the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, it is more important than ever for residents to be prepared for tornadoes and other natural disasters. By staying informed and having a plan in place, residents can help minimize the impact of severe weather on their communities.
By: Mrs. N Affaf
