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Possible tornado tears through Tallahassee, causing damage, leaving thousands without electricity

Tallahassee public schools closed; classes canceled at FSU, FAMU, TCC

Here is a look at the aftermath of storm damage that took place in Tallahassee.

By: Peter Burke

Posted

and last updated

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado tore through Tallahassee on Friday morning, downing trees and street signs, damaging buildings and leaving thousands without power.

Tallahassee chimney and siding damage after storm, May 10, 2024 — A chimney and siding, blown off a roof by extreme winds, rests in a stairwell at an apartment complex Friday, May 10, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla.

All public schools in Tallahassee were closed, and classes at Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College were canceled as a result.

According to a city utilities outage map, more than 68,000 customers were without electricity as of 10 a.m.

Tallahassee Utilities Power Outage Map

Tallahassee Utilities Power Outage Map

Pictures and videos shared on social media showed damage to Florida State's baseball stadium and circus tent.

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

A crane appeared to have collapsed on top of a construction project in the College Town area.

crane collapses on top of construction project in College Town — A crane appears to have collapsed on top of this construction project in the College Town area, May 10, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla.

Businesses along the popular Railroad Square corridor also had significant damage.

There was visible damage to the outfield fence at Dick Howser Stadium, where the Seminoles play baseball. The team is at Pittsburgh for this weekend's series.

Right field at FSU’s Dick Howser Stadium from the inside. pic.twitter.com/cDvEicU3bs
— Patrick Obley 🦥 (@PMOWriter) May 10, 2024

A car in a residential neighborhood could be seen partially lifted off the ground from the powerful winds.

Powerful wind tossed this car off Lipona Road and Jackson Bluff Road in Tallahassee — Powerful wind tossed this car near Lipona Road and Jackson Bluff Road, May 10, 2024, in Tallahassee, Fla.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee said it's "too soon to determine whether winds or a tornado are responsible."

5/10/24 749AM ET

We've gotten a lot of damage reports in the #Tallahassee area It is too soon to determine whether winds or a tornado are responsible. There should be more clarity as the day progresses, but for now we still have to focus on active weather. #FLwx #GAwx #ALwx
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) May 10, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis said he's directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to work with area officials to "do everything possible to return life to normalcy for our residents as quickly as possible."

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.

Thank you to the… https://t.co/9SgzI69UJE
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 10, 2024

DeSantis later issued a state of emergency for Leon County and the surrounding areas.