Central Florida (352today.com) – UPDATE, 5:52 p.m.: State officials are getting a better grasp of the extent of the damage from the storms in the Panhandle. Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis flew over Bay County earlier today and posted video on X (formerly known as Twitter).

UPDATE, 5:35 p.m.: The storm delivered heavy rain with gusty wind as it moved across north-central Florida. 352today’s Whitney Zarder shot this video in the Sumter County neighborhood of Oxford Oaks which is just off Hwy 301.

UPDATE, 5:00 p.m.: The line of storms that are threatening north-central Florida this afternoon produced significant damage in the Panhandle this morning. For a look at some of the damage, check this story.

Damage in the Treasure Circle area of Panama City Beach. Courtesy: Bay County Sheriff’s Office via AP

UPDATE, 4:35 p.m.: The NWS canceled the tornado warning for Marion County at 4:31 p.m.

UPDATE, 4:04 p.m.:  The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Marion County until 4:30 p.m.

At 4:02 p.m., the NWS says a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Inverness Airport, or near Inverness, moving east at 50 mph.

UPDATE, 3:35 p.m.: The NWS has issued a tornado warning for southeastern Alachua County and northeastern Marion County until 4:00 p.m.

The NWS says at 3:34 p.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Citra, moving northeast at 55 mph. The meteorologists say flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes can be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, vehicles and trees is likely.

UPDATE, 3:15 p.m.: The NWS has issued a tornado warning for northwestern Marion County until 3:45 p.m.

The NWS says a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 7 miles northwest of Ocala Airport, or 8 miles northeast of Rainbow Lakes Estates, moving northeast at 50 mph.

Meanwhile, the tornado warning for Alachua County has expired.

UPDATE, 2:47 p.m.: To help you understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, here is the explanation from the National Weather Service (NWS):

Tornado Watch: Be Prepared! Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Courtesy: NWS

UPDATE, 2:38 p.m.: The NWS has issued a tornado warning until 3:15 p.m. for central Alachua County.

The NWS says a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Archer, or 9 miles northeast of Bronson, moving northeast at 80 mph.

UPDATE, 2:15 p.m.: The NWS has canceled the tornado warning for Levy County.

PREVIOUSLY: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a tornado warning for Levy County until 2:15 p.m.

The NWS has also issued tornado watches for the following counties in the 352-coverage area:

  • Alachua (until 6 p.m.)
  • Citrus (until 9 p.m.)
  • Hernando (until 9 p.m.)
  • Lake (until 9 p.m.)
  • Levy (until 9 p.m.)
  • Marion (until 6 p.m.)
  • Sumter (until 9 p.m.)

The storms that are moving across the Florida Peninsula caused significant damage earlier in the Panhandle, causing major damage in Panama City and other areas.

The 352today news team is monitoring the storm developments and we’ll continue to post updates here. Check back frequently.