A tornado on Saturday ripped through Fort Lauderdale, bursting power lines and destroying a nearby boat, video footage showed.
A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) about a local resident showing a natural disaster blowing through Florida City. One video showed the tornado hitting what appeared to be power lines, causing an explosion as green lights flashed in the air.
“Oh my god, this is so scary to watch. This is literally my biggest fear,” the woman behind the camera said while recording the incident.
From another angle, the tornado could be seen gaining speed, flipping over what appeared to be a boat moored in the harbor. (Related article: 'By the grace of God': Infant who survived tornado found under fallen tree)
🚨#breaking news: Large tornado touches ground in Fort Lauderdale area, damage reported
Many Florida residents witnessed a large tornado landfall in central Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Government officials… pic.twitter.com/roLSftVuq1
— RAWSALETS (@rawsalerts) January 6, 2024
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami received multiple reports and social media alerts of a tornado near Federal Highway around 5:50 p.m. according to To Fox Weather. Just five minutes before the warning, the NWS issued a tornado warning for Florida residents, the newspaper reported.
The couple, who were visiting the city from New York, were in town to cheer on the Buffalo Bills before receiving the warning from the NWS, Fox Weather reported. The couple said they witnessed and recorded the storm as it passed through a residential area and a marina, the newspaper said. (Related: Big storm rips state with tornadoes, triggers massive explosion, leaves six dead, dozens hospitalized)
“We were very happy that it didn't snow,” eyewitness Megan Collins told Fox Weather. “And we got more than we bargained for.”
Fort Lauderdale Officials Posted A Facebook update warns residents to use caution while driving as “power lines and debris can create a dangerous situation.” Officials also said crews were “actively working.” Please restore power to the disaster area. ”
Officials said there have been no reports of injuries caused by the weather incidents so far.
of Fox Weather reports that the NWS will survey the extent of the damage Sunday to determine the strength and path of the tornado. The state could experience more severe weather in the coming days due to another storm currently moving along the East Coast, the newspaper reported.
