Sunday, March 24, 2013

Thousands without power after storms slam Central Fla.


Funnel cloud spotted in Titusville

UPDATED 7:58 PM EDT Mar 24, 2013




ORLANDO, Fla. —Severe storms left behind a trail of damage Sunday in Central Florida and thousands were left without power.


IMAGES: WINDS DAMAGE HOMES, CARS, PLANES


See images of damage caused by severe weather in Central Florida on Sunday.MORE


RAW VIDEO: STRONG WINDS SURPRISE EMPLOYEES AT LOWE'S


Severe weather moved into Winter Garden quickly Sunday, surprising some customers and employees at Lowe's. (Video: Daniel Frawley and Amy Asteriades)MORE


RAW VIDEO: RAIN, WIND SWIRL OUTSIDE AMWAY CENTER


Heavy rains and strong winds swirled outside the Amway Center on Sunday during severe weather warnings.MORE

About 40,000 people lost power in the Orlando area early Sunday evening, according to Progress Energy and Orlando Utilities Commission, and Orlando police said traffic signals at more than 100 intersections weren't working.

Images: Storm damage in Central Fla.

A wind gust of 86 mph was recorded at Orlando International Airport. The conditions led to the postponement of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, which will resume at 10 a.m. Monday.

Tornado warnings were issued for several counties throughout the day, but those have since expired.

Raw video: Strong winds surprise customers, employees at Lowe's

The last tornado warning expired in Brevard County about 3:30 p.m. The National Weather Service reported a funnel cloud in Titusville with estimated wind gusts at 60 mph and quarter-sized hail. Large tree limbs were knocked down and minor roof damage was reported at four homes.

James Lessard said he heard what sounded like a tornado.

"The saying about a freight train, it's true. I heard the freight train noise, and that's when I yelled to my wife and the kids, 'Get in the bathroom. Get in the tub,'" said Lessard.


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