Mold Remediation in Lake Mary, FL

An EF2 tornado caused substantial damage as it tore through Lake Mary, Florida, on March 10, 2025. Touching down at approximately 9:36 AM, the tornado was recorded with peak winds of over 115 mph, comparable to the strength of Category 2 hurricanes. The National Weather Service (NWS) had just issued a tornado warning for Seminole County, including Lake Mary, only minutes earlier.

Multiple reports indicated the storm crossed significant roads, including Interstate 4 and Markham Woods Road, before affecting properties and infrastructure directly. According to Alan Harris, spokesperson for Seminole County Emergency Management, local reports confirmed serious damages. "We received multiple reports, including the collapse of at least one home, overturned vehicles, and numerous downed trees and power lines," he explained.

During live coverage of the incoming storm on FOX 35, meteorologist Brooks Garner expressed urgency: "Everybody in the FOX 35 building, get to your safe space under your desk... This is a tornado! Seek shelter immediately." Garner's alert tone underscored the potential danger posed by the storm, as he vividly described debris swirling nearby during the station's news broadcast.

Eyewitness reports echoed the chaotic situation, with residents recounting their experiences as the tornado passed. One local, known for their active social media presence, shared their fear: "A small tornado hit my neighborhood... power out and heard stuff hitting against roof & sides," noted Mike Lever on Facebook.

Rebecca, another resident from Sweetwater, vividly heard what she described as freight train-like noises as the storm approached. "It was terrifying," she said. "I was just doing laundry without knowing what was coming until I saw my neighbor's patio furniture flying past my window." Despite the panic, Rebecca was relieved as her family stayed sheltered during the intense winds, which had caused significant loss to their newly built playhouse.

While damages included homes with roofs torn off and fallen trees blocking roads, fortunately, there were no reported injuries. This aspect has been highlighted by the NWS, particularly noting how rare it is for Florida to experience EF2 tornadoes. "An EF-2 this time of year is considered rare here; usually, 90% of our tornadoes are rated EF0 or EF1," a spokesperson from the NWS stated.

Notably, Central Florida's atmospheric conditions on March 10 resulted from upper-level shear combined with moisture from thunderstorms. These conditions attracted attention from weather watchers, including NWS offices, leading to proactive warnings issued as early as 9:30 AM, detailing the potential for developing tornadoes.

Emerging statistics suggest this tornado's formation lasted about 10-15 minutes as it moved northeast at speeds of approximately 30 mph. Each detail, from how it touched down to its path across heavily populated sectors of Lake Mary, subjected many households to hasty evacuations and emergency responses.

National Weather Service survey teams began assessing the damage later on March 10, focusing on the tornado's precise track to determine the impact and any building failures. They noted extensive structural damage, especially where the strongest winds impacted most significantly.

Emergencies throughout Central Florida weren't solely confined to Lake Mary. Various locations reported environmental destruction as the storm system rolled through, which was accompanied by consistent downpours and gusty winds, causing nerves to escalate across town. Local crews were quick to respond, assisting residents and clearing debris from hazardous areas on impacted roads.

Post-disaster assessments revealed reports of downed trees and property damage across other neighborhoods, with community members rallying support to check on each other's well-being following the localized weather phenomena. Fortunately, most neighborhoods were relatively unscathed beyond property damage.

Historically, Florida experiences lower-rated tornadoes, mostly occurring within hurricane bands or during measurable changes from cold fronts. Tornadoes of this nature do happen, mostly during late winter or early spring, with damaging formations typically linked to various fronts pushing through the state. This latest occurrence will undoubtedly spark conversations about tornado preparedness and community support following the storms.

Efforts, including educational outreach about the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather alerts, have gained momentum as Floridians reflect on the phenomenal power of nature they faced. Residents now possess practical stories about survival and remarkable community resilience, fostering discussion about emergency plans moving forward.

Overall, this unexpected tornado presents both challenges and lessons for the citizens of Central Florida. With many families safe and supportive structures intact, community strength will undoubtedly lead the way as locals band together to heal and rebuild after the drama played out above and around them on what started as just another March morning.

Remembering 1998 Central Florida tornado outbreak

According to the NWS, a powerful tornado outbreak in East-Central Florida on the night of February 22-23, 1998, became the deadliest in the state’s history, leaving 42 people dead and more than 260 others injured.

The Brief

An EF2 tornado touched down in Seminole County, crossing over the FOX 35 News studios, as fast-moving severe storms pushed across Central Florida on Monday morning.

Press conference: NWS rates Lake Mary tornado EF2

The National Weather Service held a press conference following the tornado that made landfall in Lake Mary. The NWS ranked the tornado as an EF2 with 115 mph winds.

The tornado reportedly touched down with winds peaking at 115 mph at 9:36 a.m. – just two minutes after the National Weather Service (NWS) of Melbourne issued a tornado warning for the area, officials said.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries were reported, emergency management officials said in a news conference Monday afternoon.

First significant tornado since 1998

The Lake Mary tornado is considered the first significant tornado that has touched down in Orange and Seminole County in over 25 years.

A significant tornado or EF2 is defined as a tornado that causes considerable damage with roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars pushed over; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated. Wind speeds must also be between 113-157 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

1998 Central Florida tornado outbreak

According to the NWS, a powerful tornado outbreak in East-Central Florida on the night of February 22-23, 1998, became the deadliest in the state’s history, leaving 42 people dead and more than 260 others injured. Between approximately 11 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, seven tornadoes ripped through the National Weather Service Office (NWSO) Melbourne county warning area, causing widespread devastation.

While there was significant structural damage to a block home in the Lakeside subdivision in Kissimmee, Florida, no fatalities occurred in this area. Photograph courtesy of Lynn Maximuk.

The storm system produced unusually strong tornadoes, with three reaching F3 intensity on the Fujita Tornado Intensity Scale, with wind speeds between 158 and 206 mph. This event surpassed the previous record for tornado-related deaths in Florida, which stood at 17 from a 1962 tornado in the Florida Panhandle.

Aerial view of damage to homes in Lakeside subdivision in Kissimmee, Florida. The tornado moved from the upper right to the lower left, narrowly missing a school. Photograph courtesy of Robert Sheets.

The tornadoes caused damage estimated at more than $100 million, destroying more than 700 structures and damaging over 3,000. While this assessment focuses on the NWSO Melbourne area, two additional tornado touchdowns were reported earlier in the evening in the NWSO Tampa Bay area.

Nearly total devastation occurred in a narrow corridor through Ponderosa RV Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Multiple fatalities occurred at this location. Photograph courtesy of Robert Sheets.

This devastating outbreak remains the ninth deadliest weather-related event in Florida’s history, with the 1928 Lake Okeechobee hurricane holding the top spot with over 1,800 fatalities, according to the NWS.

The Source: The information in this article comes from the National Weather Service and the FOX 35 Storm Team meteorologists.

An EF2 tornado touched down Monday morning in Lake Mary, Florida, with peak winds reaching 115 mph, equivalent to those of a Category 2 hurricane. The tornado struck as part of severe storms sweeping across Central Florida, passing right over the FOX 35 News studios.

The incident began at 9:36 AM, just two minutes after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado warning for the area. According to the NWS, the tornado traversed Markham Woods Road and crossed Interstate 4, impacting significant locations including the FOX 35 studios on Skyline Drive.

Alan Harris, spokesperson for Seminole County Emergency Management, confirmed multiple reports of devastation, highlighting incidents such as the collapse of homes in Longwood, the overturning of vehicles, and extensive tree and power line damage. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries.

"An EF2 tornado this time of year is considered quite rare for Florida," said a spokesperson from the National Weather Service. "Notably, about 90% of tornadoes here are usually EF0 or EF1. Seeing winds of 115 mph or greater is unusual for Central Florida," they added, emphasizing the tornado's rarity.

During the event, FOX 35 Meteorologist Brooks Garner was broadcasting live and was able to confirm the tornado as it struck. Live footage showed debris flying as he urged staff and viewers to take cover. "Get to your safe space under your desk, if you're not in a designated area, we're catching debris on the roof!" Garner exclaimed. "This is confirmed! A tornado is hitting our station!"

According to eyewitness accounts, the storm rapidly escalated, leaving many residents little time to react. The tornado produced destruction across several neighborhoods, leaving damage along its path including toppled trees and damaged homes.

The path of the tornado covered approximately four miles and lasted around 15 minutes. The extent of damage prompted continuous assessments by the National Weather Service throughout the day following the incident.

"This tornado originated near Wekiwa Springs State Park before tearing through the Wingfield Reserve and Whispering Winds subdivisions, where it peaked at 115 mph," noted William Ulrich, meteorologist with the NWS.

Emergency response teams worked diligently on the ground, clearing debris and assessing damage, with many first responders reporting hazardous conditions. Among the homes affected, two on Blue Iris Place were entirely destroyed. Residents reported huddling inside safe structures, which likely saved their lives. Harris also stated, "It’s nothing short of miraculous to see everyone who was inside the home to emerge unscathed. The only part of the house remaining was the safe area they moved to."

Storm-induced damage was widespread, with thousands being left without power due to downed lines and other hazards. Local homeowners voiced their shock and gratitude for surviving the terrifying encounter with nature, highlighting the urgency of reacting to emergency warnings. "Everything happened so quickly, I could hardly believe it, but thankfully we were safe," recounted one affected homeowner.

The unpredictability of fast-moving severe weather remains on many minds. "It’s not unusual for tornadoes to form during this time of year, especially with storm systems sweeping through the region, but the force of this tornado was unexpected," Ulrich said.

Following the storm, efforts to assist those affected began immediately. Seminole County officials announced the distribution of tarps for residents whose roofs were damaged, illustrating swift community support post-disaster.

The calamity served as a powerful reminder of nature's potential destructiveness and the importance of staying vigilant during severe weather events. Meteorologists emphasized maintaining awareness of alerts and acting quickly when warnings are issued to mitigate risk.

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid obstructing emergency crews as cleanup efforts continue. With many roads blocked by debris, staying informed and exercising caution is of utmost importance. The community remains resilient, with many residents expressing their intent to help neighbors recover from the destruction.

Despite the chaos, the collective spirit of the community shines through as residents band together to assist one another, sharing both tangible resources and emotional support as they navigate the recovery process.

Weather conditions across Central Florida are expected to calm later today, but the effects of the morning's turmoil will linger, and recovery efforts are anticipated to take time. This incident remains fresh as the community rallies together and reflects on the importance of preparation, awareness, and the will to assist.

National Weather Service confirms rare EF-2 tornado

LAKE MARY, Fla. – Several businesses near Skyline Drive are now dealing with damage after a rare tornado touched down in Lake Mary on Monday morning.

Our News 6 crew surveyed the area, close to I-4 and Lake Emma Road and saw several trees had snapped and fallen onto fences and in parking lots. There was also a trailer that flipped on its side from the strong winds.

Emily Helmberger, who works at Aspire Communications, said the company uses the trailer for their traveling crews.

[PHOTOS: Damage across Central Florida as severe weather hits the area]

“We install fiber across the United States. Some of our guys like to stay in the trailer instead of an Air BNB or hotel,” said Helmberger. “We just actually fixed the A/C in this and now it’s pretty much broken.”

Helmberger said she was working Monday morning when all of the sudden the front doors started to swing open.

“The door is pretty heavy, so we just all ran inside an office with now windows,” said Helmberger. “It was really loud, but we didn’t hear a train sound or anything like that.”

Helmberger said a truck that was parked out front was just inches away from being crushed by a tree. There were more close calls than anything, but another car parked at the business next door did have a tree fall on top of it.

Felicia Powell, who works at HBK Engineering, said another tree that fell over nearly hit her car.

“I was in the office and a light started blinking, but when I heard the rumbling from the windows that’s what scared me more than anything,” said Powell.

Powell said the damage was done in a short amount of time.

Mark Katz, who also works in the area, said it all happened in less than a minute. He showed our News 6 crew the exhaust fan from an A/C unit that blew off the roof.

“[It] made a very loud sound,” said Katz. “[I] knew that the sound was not good when it came down.”

Katz said there is now a hole in the roof that will need to be fixed. Our News 6 crew saw workers assessing the damage Monday morning and starting to patch what they could so rain wouldn’t get into the building.

Katz said he has experienced hurricanes while working here before, but the damage from this storm was worse. Thankfully, there are no reported injuries.

“Probably between the three hurricanes that I’ve seen during this time working in this building, combined the damage doesn’t equate to what we’ve seen today,” said Katz.

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LONGWOOD, Fla. - An EF2 tornado touched down in Seminole County, Florida, during Monday's severe weather, causing significant damage in Longwood.

With peak winds of 115 mph, the tornado's strength was comparable to the wind gusts of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS described a tornado of this strength as a "rare phenomenon" for Central Florida, noting that only 10% of tornadoes in the region reach EF1 or EF2 status.

The path of the EF2 tornado

The tornado's general path crossed Markham Woods Road in Longwood, touched down, and then crossed Interstate 4 near FOX 35 Orlando in Lake Mary before lifting.

The tornado spanned about four miles and reached a width of 300 yards at its widest point.

MORE: EF2 tornado envelops van with woman trapped inside | Lake Mary tornado damage: Photos and videos

When did the tornado touch down in Seminole County?

Timeline:

Florida tornado damage

Several homes were damaged in Seminole County following the storm, including at least one that collapsed, according to officials. A semi-truck was flipped over with its driver and his dog inside, officials said. There were also numerous reports of downed trees and power lines.

There were no reported serious injuries or deaths.

Tornado crosses over FOX 35 Studios during live broadcast: 'It just hit our station'

Meteorologist Brooks Garner was live on air tracking the tornado warning for Seminole and Volusia counties when the tornado crossed over our studios.

"Everybody in the FOX 35 building, get to your safe space under your desk, if you're not in a designated area," Brooks said.

"We're catching debris right now on the roof. 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."

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