‘Lots of damage’ reported after possible tornado in Central Florida

Updated: Aug 18, 2020 / 07:33 PM CDT

Courtesy: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office

DELAND, Fla. (NewsNation) — Local law enforcement and the Red Cross are responding after a possible tornado Tuesday afternoon left houses damaged and thousands without power in DeLand.

DeLand is located approximately 34 miles north of the central business district of Orlando and about 23 miles west of Daytona Beach.

According to Twitter updates from the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida, “Lots of damage reports coming in from North Deland.”

Lots of damage reports coming in from North Deland. Please heed orders from law enforcement & emergency officials. Large trees & power lines down. Avoid the area!
— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) August 18, 2020

NWS reports hail, high wind gusts with damage including down trees and power lines.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said they coordinated with the DeLand Police and Fire Departments for ongoing storm recovery and response. Deputies reported “going door to door checking on people.”

We've visited residents of all ages who have lost roofs and vehicles, but they are OK and getting help they need. Lots of neighbors helping neighbors. We are all pitching in any way we can! pic.twitter.com/ZC2Fkr3fqh
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) August 18, 2020

Rescue teams warned residents to avoid storm damaged areas as crews work.

Over 11,000 homes and businesses are without power according to Duke Energy. It is mobilizing regional resources in the efforts to promptly restore power.

The NWS issued a tornado warning for DeLand around 4 p.m. They will survey the damage areas from the likely tornado on Wednesday.

No injuries or fatalities were reported, according to Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.