PHOTOS: Widespread storm damage reported in Panama City, Florida, area
Overnight storms that moved across south Alabama and the Florida panhandle have caused widespread damage in and around Panama City, Florida.
Photos from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office show parts of roofs blown away, furniture, fences and debris strewn about and a house that appeared tilted on side, leaning on another home in Panama City Beach.
In Panama City, police early Tuesday asked residents to stay indoors and off the roads “unless absolutely necessary” as officers checked on damage from the storms, including downed power lines and trees.
There have been multiple reports of tornadoes on the ground, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said in a brief Facebook Live post.
“We’ve rescued people out of structures,” he said.
The department urged people to stay home, posting photos of crumpled structures and debris and a message that those who have taken to the roads to see it are “making it very difficult for first responders who are rushing to help people who may be trapped in damaged homes and injured.”
The Walton County sheriff’s department in the Florida Panhandle posted photos of power lines draped across a road, damage to a gas station and large pieces of building materials littering the area.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida State Guard on Monday night to prepare for any storm-related impacts.
(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
