Central Florida Tornado Outbreak - February 2, 2007

Video Title :	Central Florida Tornado Outbreak - February 2, 2007
Description :	The 2007 Central Florida Tornadoes were a localized, but devastating, tornado event that took place in central Florida early on February 2, 2007. Initially thought to have been one tornado, but later confirmed as three separate ones, they destroyed many houses and businesses and killed at least 21 people (one of whom died two weeks after the tornado hit). It is the deadliest tornado outbreak in Florida since the Kissimmee Tornado Outbreak killed 42 people in 1998 (25 from one tornado). Damage was estimated at over $270 million. Reported tornadoes The first tornado touched down at about 3:15 am EST (0815 UTC) in northeastern Sumter County, near Wildwood. In Sumter County, hundreds of houses were severely damaged or destroyed, however, no injuries or fatalities were reported. That portion of the track was rated as a low-end EF3 tornado. It then tracked into western Lake County. It tracked across the county, and slammed into The Villages and then into Lady Lake, with devastating results. Mobile homes were flattened, solid structures were destroyed and tree damage was extensive. It left a path of destruction 15 miles (24 km) long and 1/4 mile (400 m) wide. Eight people were killed in Lady Lake. A second tornado developed near Paisley, Lake Mack area, at 3:48 am EST (0848 UTC) and tracked across eastern Lake County into Volusia County. The results were also devastating, with similar damage. 13 people were killed in Lake Mack, for a total of 21 (all in Lake County). As it crossed the county line, the damage was somewhat less but still extensive in DeLand. Many vehicles also were thrown off Interstate 4 in the area. This was rated as a high-end EF3 tornado with a path that was 22 miles (35 km) long and 1/4 mile (400 m) wide.[6] It was described as "much more devastating" than any of the hurricanes that hit the state in 2004 and 2005. A third tornado also touched down in New Smyrna Beach and tracked into Ponce Inlet in coastal Volusia County. It was an EF1 tornado that left structural damage to many houses, mostly significant roof and chimney damage. "We are doing house-to-house searches at this time," Lake County's emergency services' chief Jerry Smith said. Officials say it could take several days to determine the exact number of dead. Aftermath A state of emergency has been declared by Governor Charlie Crist for the areas affected. The American Red Cross opened at least 7 shelters in the disaster affected region, with their partners, the Southern Baptists providing food. The organization also sent 40,000 meals and recruited almost 400 volunteers from across the nation to provide assistance to the local disaster relief efforts. More than 30 Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles for community food and supply distribution were deployed. The Salvation Army deployed 5 mobile canteens to the affected area. Seventeen yearling Whooping Cranes are believed to have been killed on their wintering grounds. From their flock, only a single bird is known to have survived.
Views :	1592
Rating :	5.00
Keywords, Tags :	Central Florida Tornado Outbreak February 2 2007
Video Length :	1 : 53

Comments :

The supercell that spawned the tornadoes went directly over my house. I was tracking it on radar. We were SO lucky it didn't touch down (Citrus County) as we had a Tornado Warning out at that time. Really makes you think.

Lots of tornado warnings were issued that night.

lucky where i live, we barely get any, in fact, ive never seen one

Lucky.................. I dont have ANY radar pictures of this storm! ANYWHERE! Which sucks, though I dont think I would leave a storm that big without pictures.............................. just checked my collections, nope

I see the couplet on this image and Lady Lake got hit bad!