A potential tornado caused major damage to at least one home in Seminole County as severe weather moving across Central Florida prompted tornado warnings in four counties.
Emergency crews were dispatched to Blue Irish Place in Longwood where the system left one home collapsed and another damaged, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.
A possible tornado left behind damage on Blue Iris Place in Longwood on Monday, March 10, 2025. (Courtesy/Seminole County Fire Department)
“Fortunately, all the occupants were able to self extricate from the homes, and there are no injuries at this time,” said Seminole County Fire Department assistant chief Tod Zellers at a press conference. “It does appear there’s a lot severe damage running across the area out here on Markham Woods Road, there are downed power lines, trees on the roads and debris everywhere. If you could avoid the area, please do so.”
Zellers said the occupants heard the tornado alerts and sheltered within.
“They were inside of the house. The house did collapse around them,” he said. “They’re very lucky to be in the position they’re in right now … Everybody seems to be doing well. They were able to actually get some of their stuff out of the house.”
All but one corner of the house was demolished, Zellers said.
“Just by looking at it, they will have to start from the ground up,” he said.
As the fast-moving system entered the region, the NWS began issuing tornado warnings that hit Lake and Orange counties by 8:30 a.m. Then the system threatened Seminole and Volusia counties.
The NWS confirmed there was a tornado over Lake Mary at 9:42 a.m. moving northeast at 30 mph. The alert was updated to say a confirmed tornado was located over Sanford, moving northeast at 45 mph at 9:50 a.m.
Fox 35 studios in Lake Mary were live on air when the possible tornado moved near the studio.
“Do you see that area where the rain? See that? That could be it. Guys, bring that camera up full. Okay, this is a live view from our TV station of what may be at the very least, it’s torrential rain crossing I-4 right now,” said Fox 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner.
“This is look at the live camera of a tornado which could be passing by our station right now. Okay, there’s debris. We’ve got debris,” he continued. “OK, take shelter. Everybody in the Fox 35 building, get to your safe space under your desk. If you’re not in a designated area, we’re catching debris right now on the roof. Debris is on the roof right now.”
“This is a confirmed tornado. National Weather Service, if you’re listening, this is a confirmed tornado right over the Lake Mary studios,” he said. “This is heading into Lake Mary and Sanford right now.”
This video shows the moment a tornado hit the FOX 35 Orlando studio while they were on the air providing life-saving information. Severe weather has been moving across portions of Central Florida all morning, triggering Tornado Warnings. More: https://t.co/He9myx6P1S pic.twitter.com/LR86MR86C4
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) March 10, 2025
Station anchor Ryan Elijah said everyone at the station was OK, although there was some damage.
By 10:30, the warning was limited to east Volusia County.
Tornado Warning continues for Oak Hill FL and Ariel FL until 10:45 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/SUUCwvJHw2
— NWS Tornado (@NWStornado) March 10, 2025
The severity of the tornado if confirmed will be determined by the NWS.
The severe weather piled on what was already a wet start Monday with showers and storms arriving ahead of a cold front.
Rain chances are around 70-80 percent, according to NWS Melbourne.
Strong to isolated severe storms will be possible, with wind gusts from 40-60 mph being the main threats.
A wind advisory for all of east Central Florida is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other threats include small hail, lightning strikes and heavy downpours.
There is a tornado threat, according to NWS Melbourne.
Boating conditions will be dangerous.
Temperatures will range from the 70s in the northern parts of Central Florida to the 80s in the southern parts.
Originally Published: March 10, 2025 at 7:47 AM EDT
