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Deadly tornados hit Florida homes | Deadly tornados hit Florida homes |
(30 minutes later) | |
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 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, where dozens of mobile homes were destroyed. A church in the town was demolished. | |
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. | |
Do you live in the region? Have you been affected by this story? Send us your experiences using the form below. | Do you live in the region? Have you been affected by this story? Send us your experiences using the form below. |
You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 | You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 07725 100 100 |
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When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |