TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Storms containing two EF-2 tornadoes, strong winds, dangerous lightning, and heavy rain left a trail of damage in the Big Bend and South Georgia Friday morning. We're updating this story as damage reports come in. Watch the video above to see what it was like as the storm hit Tallahassee's All Saints neighborhood around 7 a.m.
MAY 17:
The District 2 Medical Examiner's Office confirmed to ABC 27 that a second person died related to the May 10 severe weather outbreak. While details were limited, an investigator said "the only information we are allowed to release is that there were two storm-related deaths, and both occurred in Leon County." The age or location of the second storm victim was not given.
On May 10, the Leon County Sheriff's Office confirmed a woman died when a tree fell on her house in the area of Aenon Church Road.
MAY 13 6:15 P.M.
Gadsden County School District posted the following to Facebook:
"In the interest of safety, please be advised that all schools in Gadsden County will be closed tomorrow, May 14th, due to the forecasted severe weather. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of everyone in our community, and with the potential for hazardous road conditions and other safety concerns, this decision has been made with your safety in mind."
MAY 13 5:20 P.M.
Leon County School District just shared the following update:
Schools will be closed in Leon County on Tuesday, May 14 due to anticipated severe weather entering our area beginning at 6:00 a.m. potentially making roads impassable and compounding the impacts of the previous severe weather in our area.
The decision to close schools was made after consulting with the National Weather Service, Leon County Emergency Management and getting feedback from every LCS principal.
We are in communication with the Florida Department of Education in regards to required instructional minutes to confirm that our seniors in the class of 2024 will have enough hours to graduate without having to extend the school year.
Our high schools will be adjusting their AP & IB schedules and each school will communicate directly with those students waiting to take a test. Make ups will be scheduled during the required late testing windows identified by the AP and IB organizations—not LCS.
Bus routes will be checked in the afternoon to identify any possible issues prior to Wednesday. Non-school based District staff is expected to arrive to work by 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
If weather permits, some schools may proceed with afterschool and evening activities.
MAY 13 4:55 P.M.
Florida A&M University’s Tallahassee campus will be closed Tuesday, except for essential employees, due to the continuing recovery work and a forecast of more inclement weather.
The closures include the Quincy Farm, the FAMU Viticulture Center, and The Durell Peaden Jr. Rural Pharmacy Education Campus in Crestview. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is still without electricity and will be closed Tuesday. Remote work will resume on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service -Tallahassee is forecasting several lines of storms moving east through the Big Bend on Monday and Tuesday.
Ahead of the latest stormy weather forecast, FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) closed at 1:30 p.m. Monday. The campus will remain closed on Tuesday. Classes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday, May 15.
Since the campus dining facilities are closed for dinner Monday afternoon and brunch Tuesday morning, bag lunches will be provided for students living on campus. The Hub will be open for dinner on Tuesday afternoon.
A temporary American Red Cross shelter has been set up in the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center on Althea Gibson Way. As of Sunday night, 60 people had registered to seek shelter. FAMU Police Department is providing additional security for those staying at the facility.
MAY 13 4:35 P.M.
All Wakulla County Schools will be closed Tuesday, May 14th due to the expected arrival of a strong line of storms at the same time as morning arrivals. An announcement will be made regarding potential cancellation of afterschool activities, such as WHS Softball and WI Graduation, once the full impact of the storm is assessed in the late morning.
FAST testing for 5th Grade Science will occur on Wednesday. WMS will hold 8th Grade Science and 7th Grade Civics EOC on Wednesday. and RMS will hold 8th Grade Science and 7th Grade Civics on Thursday.
Please monitor local weather alerts and stay safe.
Wakulla County BOCC Offices (excluding Fire Rescue, Road & Bridge, and Parks and Facilities) will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, May 13, 2024, due to the risk of inclement weather, from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Normal operating hours will resume at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
MAY 13 4:50 P.M.
The Gadsden County Department of Emergency Management and the Gadsden County Department of Public Works have made sandbag operations available for residents from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sandbags will be available Tuesday, May 14 to the public at the following locations:
- Post Plant Pit off Post Plant Road
- Clark Pit off Edwin Clark Road
Sandbags are limited to 15 bags per household. Citizens need to bring shovels to fill bags themselves. Locations will not be staffed, but crews will monitor and provide additional sand and bags as needed. The site will be open until the storm threat has passed and it is determined there is no longer a need.
MAY 13 3:15 P.M.
Leon County’s Distribution Sites for food and water are closed for the rest of the day Monday. The State of Florida’s Hope Bus Distribution Site will also be closed for the rest of the day Monday.
MAY 13 2 P.M.
Following the severe weather that impacted North Florida on Friday, May 10, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-94 (May North Florida Tornadoes). Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-95, expanding the number of counties under a state of emergency to 15 counties. Counties included in the executive order are: Baker, Columbia, Escambia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.
To read the full executive order, click here [t.e2ma.net].
MAY 13 12:30 P.M.
The First to Know Weather Team is tracking power outages in the Big Bend. As of early Monday afternoon, as many as 20,000 customers were still without power in Leon County.
MAY 13 11:15 A.M.
Leon County Schools just announced, "After consultation with weather experts and our school leaders, we have made the decision to close our schools at 1:00pm today (5/13/24) due to the possibility of severe weather this afternoon. Parents can choose to pick their students up early if necessary. All afterschool activities have also been canceled."
MAY 13 11:10 A.M.
Neighborhood reporter, Kendall Brandt, is in Southeast Tallahassee Monday morning. She's tracking recovery where some of the strongest winds impacted neighbors Friday. Watch her Instagram reel below.
MAY 13 11 A.M.
Neighborhood reporter, Maya Sargent, is a Sabal Palm Elementary School in Tallahassee. Watch her update on the school situation in our Facebook reel embedded below.
MAY 13 10 A.M.
Leon County School leaders are monitoring the next round of storms expected in the Big Bend. They posted to Twitter about the situation Monday morning. See below.
Superintendent Hanna and staff are listening to an update from the National Weather Service about incoming weather systems. Following the call, staff will determine if any changes to school operations need to be made. Further updates to come throughout the day. pic.twitter.com/5yBWyhpqRv
— Leon County Schools (@LeonSchools) May 13, 2024
MAY 13 9:10 A.M.
Leon County Schools posted on Twitter, "The power is back on at Sabal Palm Elementary, and they will be open tomorrow (Tuesday)."
MAY 13 8:55 A.M.
The City of Tallahassee said the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for our region starting today lasting through Tuesday night. The City is opening sandbag locations starting at 9am at Jack McLean Park (700 Paul Russell Road) and Tom Brown Park (501 Easterwood Drive). Get more info at Talgov.com.
MAY 13 7:05 A.M.
On Twitter, Leon County wrote:
"Distribution of water and shelf-stable meals continues today at three Leon County points of distribution from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tarps are also available for residents who have encountered roof damage, while supplies last. For more information, visit: http://LeonCountyFL.gov/ei."
9:15 P.M.
City of Tallahassee:
Utility crews have now restored the electric grid to 91%. Crews including mutual aid will continue to work through the night and 24/7 until full restoration.
7:30 P.M.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative
As of 6:45PM, power to all TCEC meters has been restored!
Leon County
Leon County Government will open five sandbag locations for residents.
Beginning Monday, May 13, at 9 a.m., sandbags will be available to the public at the following Leon County locations:
- Leon County's Northeast Branch Library, 5513 Thomasville Road
- Apalachee Regional Park (Solid Waste Management Facility), 7550 Apalachee Parkway
- Fred George Park, 3043 Capital Circle NW
- At the intersection of Oak Ridge Road at Ranchero Road
- Ft. Braden Community Park, 15000 Blountstown Highway
Leon County will staff these sites and sandbag fillers will be available to assist residents in quickly filling sandbags. Sand, bags, and ties will be available for public use at no cost to residents. The County asks residents to take no more than 15 bags to allow others to prepare.
Property owners who have experienced flooding problems in the past can use sandbags to help divert stormwater from their property.
6:15 P.M.
NWS Tallahassee says another tornado touched down in Leon County on Friday.
In addition to the two EF-2 tornadoes, a third EF-1 tornado was confirmed tracking through southern Leon County per the NWS Survey on Sunday.
5:20 P.M.
Leon County Schools will open on Monday, May 13, with no bus transportation.
The district will provide excused hardship absences.
Schools Not Opening Monday, May 13
- Sabal Palm Elementary School
- Sail High School
- No students on campus for Lively Technical College and Pre-K, Ace-Adult & Community Education
School start times pushed back 30 minutes
- High School starts at 8:00 am
- Elementary starts at 9:00 am
- Middle School starts at 10:00 am
- Dismissal time remains the same
In addition, LCS staff should report for work as normal, school meals will be served, and FAST/ AP testing will be rescheduled.
4:45 P.M.
City of Tallahassee:
Extensive damage caused by the tornadoes has increased, with the broken utility pole count now at 399 confirmed, which exceeds Hurricanes Hermine, Irma and Michael combined.
Progress was made overnight and throughout today on power restoration, including to Leon County Schools.
Electric service has been restored or is currently in the process of being restored by tonight to all Leon County Schools except for Sail High School and Sabal Palm Elementary, which are in areas hardest hit by tornadoes that caused massive damage.
4:30 P.M.
Leon County Schools:
We will host a Facebook Live with Superintendent Hanna and staff at 5:00 p.m. to provide the latest updates about school operations for Monday, May 13, 2024.
1:30 P.M.
TCEC Outage Update:
Power will be fully restored to all TCEC meters by this evening.
Total Outages: 12
Meters impacted: 112
Meters out by county:
Taylor - 117
Madison - 12
Jefferson - 58
Dixie - 0
Noon:
Leon County storm updates:
The tornado outbreak on May 10 has become the most destructive storm event in the County's history. Damage assessments reveal extensive, severe, and catastrophic impacts, as demonstrated in the dashboard graphic below. Initial reports indicate that the number of structures severely damaged by this tornado outbreak is more than double those affected by Hurricane Michael.
The County has continued assessing damage of County facilities and properties. Major damage has been confirmed at the County’s Amtrak site and Office of Intervention and Detention Alternatives. There has also been reports of minor damage at other County sites throughout the community. We’ve engaged the County’s insurance carrier regarding these damages, which will also be captured as part of the recorded damage shared through the state to meet our federal assistance threshold.
Power Restoration - Significant Progress Continues
At this time, the City of Tallahassee is reporting power outages impacting about 43,000 customers, and Talquin Electric's is reporting 4,000 affected County customers.
Debris Collection - County Rural Waste Service Centers, Debris Contractors to Start
To help citizens recover from the severe weather and dispose of debris, the Leon County Rural Waste Centers at Miccosukee (13051 Miccosukee Rd.), Ft. Braden (2485 East Joe Thomas Rd.) and Woodville (549 Henry Jones Rd.) are now open every day until further notice for County citizens and accepting vegetative debris. All these sites will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Leon County Solid Waste Facility on 7550 Apalachee Parkway will also accept vegetative debris during it's regular hours of operation beginning Monday.
11:35 A.M.
City of Tallahassee:
Crews continue working non-stop.
They have identified 333 broken poles (expected to grow to 500) and 91 damaged transformers as of now. Circuits in the path of the tornadoes are being fully rebuilt.
Additional mutual aid crews arrived yesterday, adding an additional 100 crew members. Approximately 300 mutual aid personnel are working alongside City crews as of this morning, and additional crews are arriving today.
MAY 12 11:00 A.M.
REMINDER: Storm Supplies & Snacks
The Florida Department of Children and families has a HOPE bus stationed at the Bragg Memorial Stadium today from 9am-5pm for those in need of supplies after the passing of the recent storms. The address is 1500 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee, FL.
Available supplies for those in need are:
- Tarps
- Water
- Snacks
- Wipes
- Additional Resources
Sunday, May 12 (updates above)
8:00 P.M.
City of Tallahassee:
Electric restoration efforts remain on schedule and as of 7:40 p.m. we have reached 75% restored. Crews will continue working through the night to reach 90% by Sunday night.
6:25 P.M.
Internet, charging stations, food, water, and hygiene supplies:
Florida Department of Commerce will be available to provide in-person assistance with resources for businesses and employees.
- Hope Florida Bus – Sabal Palm Elementary School 2813 Ridgeway St. Tallahassee, FL 32310
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) is opened a special needs shelter:
- Florida State University School 3000 School House Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32311
5:40 P.M.
NWS Tallahassee confirms two EF-2 tornadoes touched down in eastern Gadsden and western Leon County and tracked across Central Leon County. Preliminary survey results show additionally, intense 100 mph straight-line winds accompanied the tornadoes. NWS added that additional data analysis is ongoing and more details of the exact tracks of each tornado will be released Sunday.
Another survey will be conducted Sunday to evaluate the damage across southern Leon County.
4:45 P.M.
Red Cross Opens shelter
The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, in coordination with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Leon County Emergency Management, will open an overnight shelter beginning at 6:00 pm.
Location: Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center at 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee, FL 32310.
What to Bring to a Shelter:
Clothing and Bedding: Pack a change of clothes, comfortable bedding, and blankets to ensure your comfort during your stay.
Medications and Medical Supplies: Remember to bring any necessary medications, medical supplies, and equipment, along with copies of prescriptions.
Personal Hygiene Items: Bring toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products.
Important Documents: Keep important documents in a waterproof container or plastic bag, including insurance policies, medical records, and contact information for family and friends.
Entertainment and Comfort Items: Consider bringing books, games, or other forms of entertainment to help pass the time and ease stress.
Special Needs Items: If you or your family members have special needs, such as baby formula, diapers, or mobility aids, be sure to pack those as well.
Noon:
Leon County water and food distribution:
In close coordination with the State of Florida, damage assessment reports, and other community partners, the County will be opening three points of distribution with bottled water and shelf-stable meals. Sites will be open from sunrise until 7 p.m. through Monday, May 13.
J. Lewis Sr. Woodville Park and Recreation Complex, 1492 J. Lewis Hall Sr.
Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library, 16327 Blountstown Highway
Apalachee Regional Park, 7550 Apalachee Parkway
11:23 A.M.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis activated a Disaster Fraud Action Strike Team (DFAST) to be deployed to Leon and Gadsden Counties. The anti-fraud teams work to educate and inform the public on signs of post-storm fraud and ensure contractors are following Florida workers’ compensation law while conducting repairs.
To report suspected fraud, call the Department’s toll-free Fraud Tip Hotline at 1-800-378-0445 or visit report post-storm fraud at FraudFreeFlorida.com
8:30 A.M.
City of Tallahassee
Electric crews are making progress toward 75% restoration of customers by 8 p.m. and 90% by 8 p.m. Sunday.
7:57 A.M.
City of Tallahassee
City and mutual aid crews worked overnight, and reinforcements began work at 6 a.m. Electric crews have restored service to 22,202 customers, and solid waste crews have resumed normal operations this morning.
7:30 A.M.
Talquin Electric Cooperative
We currently have around 10,545 Members without power.
Visit our outage map to stay up to date on the most current information https://my.talquinelectric.com/outages/maps/.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy has restored the overwhelming majority of customers who lost power during yesterday’s storms. As of 6 a.m., there were approximately 100 customers who remained without power. Crews worked overnight to restore power in the hardest hit areas.
Saturday, May 11 (updates above)
7:09 P.M.
The City of Tallahassee updated road conditions with the following:
Crews have cleared 109 blocked roads and are actively working to clear 109 more reported blocked roads.
6:20 P.M.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative updated power restoration efforts with the following:
Our estimated restoration time for the majority of our system is Saturday by 9:00PM. All TCEC crews will continue to work late into the evening and through the weekend. Over 80 linemen and right-of-way personnel are working alongside TCEC to help expedite our restoration efforts. Additional support is en route.
Due to extensive damage, the substantial amount of broken poles, and high-water levels causing access issues in some areas, we are unable to provide estimated restoration times for individual outages.
5:30 P.M.
City of Tallahassee releases update on storm impacts.
Power Outages:
More than half of the City’s electric customers are without service due to impacts, totaling over 80,000 power outages.
Mutual aid crews from 20 utilities, including from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina are arriving to assist with restoration efforts. Damage assessment crews are taking an inventory of the damage, including broken pole counts. Early estimates indicate more than 100 poles are broken.
Waste Collection:
Solid waste collection was suspended for today, May 10, and is anticipated to resume tomorrow, Saturday, May 11.
Public Transportation:
All StarMetro routes are impacted by storm related road blockages. Individual routes will resume service as roads are declared safe.
4:45 P.M.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency declaration for Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties following Friday's severe weather.
Following the severe weather that impacted North Florida this morning, I have directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to work with local officials and do everything possible to return life to normalcy for our residents as quickly as possible.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 10, 2024
Thank you to the… https://t.co/9SgzI69UJE
Read the full declaration here:
2:10 P.M.
Nearly 2/3rds of Leon County is currently without power, or around 88,000 customers.
Suwannee County is also experiencing heavy outages with 14,000 customers without power, about 64% of the county.
1:30 P.M.
Due to the ongoing emergency response to Friday's severe weather, Leon County Press the Chest, originally scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, has been canceled.
12:55 P.M.
Leon County issued the following update regarding storm recovery:
County teams were actively monitoring changing conditions when the worst of the system arrived at around 6:50 a.m. Initial reports indicated the rotation and formation of up to three tornadoes in Gadsden. The same system shortly after 7 a.m. brought severe weather to all of Leon County. The County is working with the National Weather Service to confirm tornado touchdowns in the area.
Leon County teams are responding to downed trees, clearing roads, assessing buildings, and supporting all response and recovery operations.
For updates regarding the storm, visit the Leon County Emergency Information Portal at LeonCountyFL.gov/ei [leoncountyfl.us20.list-manage.com]. For further questions or to report damage, call Leon County Emergency Management at 850-606-3700.
The County has closed all public-facing offices to reassign staff to storm recovery and assessment efforts.
Leon County Office Closures for Friday, May 10
- Leon County offices
- Leon County community centers
- Leon County libraries
- Leon County Animal Control
- Leon County Solid Waste Management Facility and Household Hazardous Waste Center
Additional Service InformationWaste Pro collection for Friday customers will be delayed to tomorrow, Saturday, May 11. Residential waste collection routes will continue to run on normal pick-up days starting Monday, May 13.
In the event of an animal-related emergency, service is available by calling the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at (850) 606-5800. Leon County Animal Control encourages residents to only use this service to report dangerous or aggressive dogs, sick or injured domestic animals, and animal cruelty. Injured wildlife calls will be forwarded to the St. Francis Wildlife Association at (850) 627-4151.
12:15 P.M.
The Leon County Sheriff's Office confirmed a woman died in Friday morning's storms. In a news release, they said, "deputies are working a storm related fatality in the area of Aenon Church Road An adult female is deceased due to a tree falling on the family’s home."
12:05 P.M.
Due to the effects of severe weather, including power outages and dangerous driving conditions, Keiser University Tallahassee will postpone its 2024 commencement ceremony scheduled for this evening, Friday, May 10, 2024. Additional information about the make-up date will be provided in the near future.
10:40 A.M.
According to a news release, Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Tallahassee campus, FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS), and the Educational Research Center for Child Development, are closed Friday due to severe weather conditions, including a localized tornado warning.
All non-essential employees are instructed to work from home. Those employees who have already reached campus are asked seek safe shelter immediately and to exercise caution as they return home.
There are reports of power outages, downed trees, blocked roadways, and scattered debris across the campus. A damage assessment is being conducted.
10:35 A.M.
On Twitter, Douglas Soule posted video of what remains of the Florida State University circus. A tornado-warned storm passed through the area Friday morning leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The Tallahassee morning storm wreaked havoc on the Florida State University "Flying High" Circus tent. It’s no longer standing. pic.twitter.com/r7VN8v8SdH
— Douglas Soule (@DouglasSoule) May 10, 2024
10:25 A.M.
CityofTLH: Following today's intense weather and with more on its way, early assessments of the electric grid show severe damage to transmission lines, impacting 11 substations. Mutual aid has been requested, and crews from 8 utilities are on their way. Over 68,000 customers are without service.
10 A.M.
Storms have knocked out power to neighborhoods across the Big Bend and South Georgia. This map from the First to Know Weather Center shows the extent of the outages.
9:45 A.M.
Storms have cut power to traffic lights across the Tallahassee. If you come to an intersection without lights, treat it was a four-way stop.
9:20 A.M.
Neighborhood reporter, Ashley Engle, is in the Railroad Square Arts District. Multiple buildings in this Tallahassee landmark sustained heavy damage from a storm Friday morning. Watch her Instagram reel below.
9:15 A.M.
Leon County School District will close schools for the remainder of the day Friday. Parents: Please proceed to your school to pick up your students.
After discussion with our school principals and staff, we have made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the day. Parents: Please proceed to your school to pick up tour students. pic.twitter.com/6Ab5k06QR5
— Leon County Schools (@LeonSchools) May 10, 2024
9:00 A.M.
Florida A&M University Tallahassee Campus and Tallahassee Community College will be closed on Friday.
FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS), and the Educational Research Center for Child Development will also be closed.
8:15 A.M.
An ABC 27 employee said his neighborhood got hit hard off Lipona and Jackson Bluff in Tallahassee. One neighbor's car got thrown around by the wind.
8:05 A.M.
Neighborhood reporter, Maya Sargent, is in the Northwest Tallahassee neighborhood. She reports on the tree damage neighbors have seen. Watch video below.
8:00 A.M.
A portion of the Visit Tallahassee Visitor Center has been damaged in the All Saints Neighborhood. This is across from Domi Station.
7:45 A.M.
A crane appears to have collapsed on top of a construction project in the College Town area of Tallahassee.
7:05 A.M.
Lauren Bueker took these photos of tree damage near Tharpe Street in Northwest Tallahassee.
