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Deadly tornados hit Florida homes Deadly tornados hit Florida homes
(30 minutes later)
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms that hit the US state of Florida have left at least 14 people dead, local officials say. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms that swept across the US state of Florida have left at least 14 people dead, local officials say.
The storms ripped roofs off hundreds of houses and left thousands without power across a central swathe of the state. The storms ripped roofs off scores of houses and left thousands without power across a central swathe of the state.
The deaths occurred in Lake County, where some of the worst of the damage was reported. Rescue work was said to be under way.The deaths occurred in Lake County, where some of the worst of the damage was reported. Rescue work was said to be under way.
Television images showed destroyed buildings, debris and fallen trees.Television images showed destroyed buildings, debris and fallen trees.
The storm hit during the night, when most residents were sleeping.The storm hit during the night, when most residents were sleeping.
Guide to tornadoes
Christopher Patton of the Lake County emergency operations centre confirmed the fatalities.Christopher Patton of the Lake County emergency operations centre confirmed the fatalities.
He said that three people were killed in the town of Lady Lake, while 11 died in nearby Paisley. He said that three people were killed in the town of Lady Lake, where dozens of mobile homes were destroyed. A church in the town was demolished.
Officials said emergency workers were searching through the rubble for more victims. Another 11 people died in nearby Paisley, Mr Patton said.
Officials said emergency workers were searching through the rubble for more victims, while Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency for four counties.
"Our priority today is search and rescue," he said.

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