St. Lucie County Sheriff Reports 17 Tornadoes Strike Florida, Confirming Multiple Fatalities

St. Lucie County Sheriff confirms 17 tornadoes with multiple fatalities from Hurricane Milton. Rescue operations underway as hundreds of homes destroy

St. Lucie County Sheriff Confirms 17 Tornadoes and Multiple Fatalities in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton

 

St. Lucie County, Florida — St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson confirmed late Wednesday night that 17 tornadoes struck the area, causing widespread devastation and resulting in multiple fatalities. In an appearance on Fox Weather, Pearson provided a sobering update on the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which has left the region reeling from severe weather and destruction.

 

"We can confirm 17 tornadoes hit St. Lucie County, Florida, with multiple fatalities, a rescue mission ongoing, and hundreds of homes destroyed," Sheriff Pearson stated during the broadcast. Although the exact number of deaths has not yet been made public, authorities have described the loss of life as "significant," with more victims potentially trapped in the wreckage of their homes.

 

Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast late Wednesday evening near Tampa as a Category 3 storm. However, as it tracked inland, the storm's outer bands spawned a series of powerful tornadoes that tore through St. Lucie County, compounding the damage already being caused by strong winds and torrential rainfall.

 

Tornadoes, a frequent and dangerous byproduct of hurricanes, formed quickly and with little warning, leaving residents little time to prepare. The confirmed 17 tornadoes wreaked havoc across multiple neighborhoods, leveling homes, uprooting trees, and downing power lines throughout the county. The aftermath has left entire communities in shock as rescue teams continue to search for survivors amidst the debris.

 

Sheriff Pearson emphasized that rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency services working around the clock to locate and assist those trapped by the storm. "We are actively engaged in search and rescue missions," he said. "First responders are going house to house, combing through the wreckage to ensure everyone is accounted for."

 

In addition to the tragic loss of life, hundreds of homes have been reported destroyed or severely damaged by the tornado outbreak. Families have been displaced as entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble. The Sheriff's Office, along with local and state emergency agencies, has set up temporary shelters for those affected, but the extent of the damage means that recovery will take weeks, if not months.

 

Utility crews are also working to restore power to the county, as tens of thousands of residents are currently without electricity. St. Lucie County has been hit particularly hard by power outages, with infrastructure badly damaged by the combined forces of Hurricane Milton and the tornadoes.

 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and deployed the Florida National Guard to assist with rescue efforts. FEMA has also begun coordinating with local authorities to provide relief and support for residents. Mobile units have been dispatched to help with medical needs and provide supplies to those in shelters.

 

"The state is doing everything possible to support St. Lucie County and the surrounding areas," Governor DeSantis said in a statement. "We are working around the clock to restore services, assist with rescues, and provide relief to those affected by this unprecedented disaster."

 

While Hurricane Milton has weakened as it moves further inland, authorities are warning residents that the danger is not yet over. Heavy rainfall continues to affect parts of central and northern Florida, raising the risk of flash floods and additional tornadoes. The National Weather Service has issued ongoing tornado watches and flood warnings for the region.

 

In St. Lucie County, the priority remains on rescuing survivors and assessing the full scale of the damage. "We are still in the initial stages of recovery," Sheriff Pearson said. "Our focus is on saving lives and providing immediate assistance to those in need. The full extent of this disaster will take time to understand, but we will get through this together."

 

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid floodwaters, and follow official advisories as the storm's remnants continue to pose a threat. They also stressed the importance of patience during recovery efforts, as emergency services work tirelessly to assist those impacted by the disaster.

 

In the wake of the storm, local communities have come together to offer support. Volunteer organizations and neighboring counties have begun sending aid, including food, water, and medical supplies. The Red Cross has established a presence in the area, offering shelter and assistance to displaced families.

 

Despite the destruction, the spirit of resilience remains strong in St. Lucie County. Residents and officials alike are determined to rebuild their homes and communities, even as the storm's full impact continues to unfold.

 

"We will rebuild," Sheriff Pearson said. "Our community is strong, and together, we will recover from this disaster."

 

As the situation continues to develop, local authorities and weather services will provide further updates, ensuring that residents are kept informed and safe during this challenging time.