80,000 Without Power Amid Widespread Damage

Tallahassee Hit by Suspected Tornado

May 10, 2024 6:28 PM

Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat, USA TODAY NETWORK

Large trees snapped like twigs during a suspected tornado that ripped through Tallahassee early Tuesday morning, leaving 80,000 people without power and causing widespread damage.

The National Weather Service said radars and photos point to a suspected tornado and storm surveys will be conducted later today to confirm.

The brief tornado touched down just before sunrise as a violent squall line with embedded rotations moved through the area.

The damage was widespread, with downed trees and power lines reported throughout the city. Several homes and businesses were also damaged, but no injuries have been reported so far.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey declared a state of emergency and urged residents to stay off the roads and be cautious of downed power lines.

Power crews are working to restore electricity, but it could be several days before everyone has power back.