The National Weather Service Melbourne confirmed an EF2 tornado hit Seminole County Monday morning.
Several tornado warnings were issued for portions of Florida as a cold front moved across the state, bringing rain, strong winds and the potential for tornadoes and large hail.
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No direct injuries or fatalities were reported, according to the National Weather Service after it completed its storm survey.
Florida EF2 tornado hit Seminole County with peak winds around 120 mph
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF2 tornado hit Seminole County about 9:35 a.m., Monday, March 10.
Peak winds were estimated at 120 mph.
The tornado downed trees, damaged roofs and blew out windows, and caused the collapse of a home in Longwood.
Trace path of Seminole County tornado
The National Weather Service provided this timeline and path of the Seminole County tornado:
- The tornado touched down at 9:35 a.m. Monday near the southeastern edge of Wekiwa Springs State Park.
- Damage: Downed oak and pine trees.
- Tornado moves northeast, crossing wooded area of park and into Wingfield Reserve subdivision in Longwood.
- More damage in Whispering Winds subdivision
- Damage: Tornado blew out windows, damaged garage doors. Several homes lost part of their roofs and awnings. “Significant number of oak trees were downed and snapped.”
- Winds: EF1 winds of up to 100 mph
- Near the intersection of Misty Morning Place and Blue Iris Place the tornado “likely peaked.”
- Damage: Two-story wood-framed home collapsed.
- Winds: 120 mph, which is EF2 intensity
- Tornado weakened as it continue to move northeast toward Interstate 4.
- Damage: Tree damage. Tornado impacts FOX 35 on Skyline Drive before dissipating at 9:41 a.m.
FOX 35 Orlando was providing live weather coverage when tornado passed over station
Reporters from FOX 35 Orlando said they felt their building shake as the tornado struck their roof.
“This is a very rare event,” FOX 35 Orlando meteorologist Brooks Garner said. “We were able to confirm the tornado has it hit our station.
“Get under your desks! Come inside,” Garner said while on air. “We see debris flying and it just hit our studios. That was a first.”
After the storm, Garner said, “It became real. It became really real when you hear — when you heard debris hitting the roof and hitting the walls, and you realize you’re not just tracking a tornado,” according to FOX Weather.
“You’re not chasing a tornado. The tornado has chased you. It’s hit you. It’s hitting your place of business. It’s potentially threatening your own life.”
Videos, photos on social media show tornado, impacts in Longwood, Florida
Where is Longwood, Florida?
Longwood is located about 10 miles north of Orlando in Seminole County.
What is an EF2 tornado?
Enhanced Fujita scale for tornadoes.
Tornadoes are classified on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which ranges from EF0 to EF5.
The rating takes into account estimated wind speeds, observed damage and damage verified by the National Weather Service in surveys after the tornado.
- EF2: 111 to 135 mph winds
- EF3: 136 to 165 mph winds
- EF4: 166 to 200 mph winds
- EF5: winds greater than 200 mph
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida EF2 tornado confirmedd by weather service in Longwood
