CITRUS COUNTY, Fla — It was confirmed late Thursday morning that a destructive tornado touched down in parts of Citrus County. Now, potential flood-causing high tides are expected, according to the sheriff's office.
During a news conference, Sheriff Mike Prendergast said the tornado touched down around 2:26 a.m. in the southwest corner of the county and moved toward the northeastern area until it finally moved out toward Marion County. Minor injuries were reported, and one person had to be taken to the hospital, the sheriff said.
While the intensity of the tornado is still currently undetermined, the sheriff said the tornado caused broken windows, damaged cars, downed power lines and left around 2,000 people without power.
The sheriff estimates the tornado left behind damage stretching more than a mile.
Prendergast even said a deputy who was out doing his regular patrol had his vehicle's windows imploded due to the pressure from the tornado: "We are very lucky he did not receive any injuries whatsoever."
The National Weather Service is currently assessing the area and will give updates later on the tornado's measurements.
As people uncovered the destruction that was left behind, the sheriff said residents were not out of the woods due to projected high tides. Prendergast says the tide is forecasted to be 3 feet above the normal storm surge.
The sheriff's warns closed roads, including part of U.S. 19 and Fort Island Trail, are expected to remain closed until later Thursday afternoon or until they are determined to be safe.
Many parts of Citrus County are still recovering from Hurricane Idalia, which slammed into Florida's Nature Coast in early September and caused a destructive storm surge.
"We are already preparing to put our airboats and other highwater vehicles over on this side of the county," Prendergast said. "Remember, we saw historic flooding from Hurricane Idalia just over a month ago, and we are anticipating another storm surge type of event later today."
Homes and businesses saw several feet of flooding. Days following Idalia, streets were lined with piles of debris along the curbs. Just about every building west of U.S. 19 saw flood damage.