Severe weather sparked a pair of tornadoes that ripped through central Florida before dawn Sunday, officials said. A couple was killed and their son and four grandchildren were injured when one of the twisters destroyed their mobile home
Several homes and properties were destroyed, and the storms left about 20,000 homes in the area without power. Local emergency officials report at its height the area was at a level 2 hazard.
The strong storms moved from Sarasota to other parts of Florida, prompting several tornado warnings and watches across the state Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service in Ruskin, Florida, said a tornado touched down in Duette in Manatee County at 3:45 a.m.
Minutes later, another twister struck near the beach community of Siesta Key in Sarasota County.
Siesta Key is a barrier island known for its pricey condos and wide, gorgeous beaches.
Sarasota County officials reported damage to multiple homes near Siesta Key. At least one home was destroyed and a woman had to be pulled from the wreckage by first responders. Other damage reports include roofs being blown off homes.
Tornadoes aren’t unheard of in beach communities, but they aren’t common either.
With reporting by AP
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