Police: Possible tornado damages buildings, closes roads in Ocala
A possible tornado damaged multiple buildings and caused several traffic accidents in the Ocala area Saturday morning, authorities said.
The Ocala Police Department reported damage to buildings and vehicles near the 3900 block of State Road 200.
Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said on Twitter that he was in Ocala where “a tornado damaged vehicles and property,” including an apartment complex. Guthrie said the state agency is “committed to supporting local response efforts.”
Reports said the area experienced a wind gust of 73 miles per hour, according to Mallory Nicholls, a meteorologist with News 13, an Orlando Sentinel partner. The Ocala Star-Banner reported one of the damaged buildings was the Paddock Park Animal Care Center, 3931 SW 42nd St., where 49 cats and dogs had to be evacuated.
Authorities reported no injuries.
Interstate 75 was shut down for a time because of overturned semitrucks but has since reopened, the Marion County Sheriff ’s Office reported. One of the truck drivers told the Star-Banner his truck overturned after a strong gust of wind and struck another truck which caused it to go down an embankment. Neither driver was injured, the Star-Banner reported.
There were also multiple trees down and roads blocked in the Dunnellon area, MCSO said.
Officers urged residents to avoid the area, monitor weather alerts and prepare to seek shelter.
Central Florida experienced a gusty day with thunderstorms throughout the region.
On Sunday, Orlando will see a breezy and sunny day with temperatures reaching a high of 67 degrees and a low of 52 degrees.