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Seminole County officials report no injuries after EF-2 tornado; recovery operations underway
Summary
Seminole County emergency management officials told commissioners an EF-2 tornado struck near Wekiwa Springs and moved through Longwood and Lake Mary on March 10, 2025. County crews cleared roads within an hour, tarps and dumpsters are being provided, and power restoration is largely complete.
Seminole County emergency management officials reported that an EF-2 tornado struck the Wekiwa Springs area at about 9:36 a.m. on March 10, 2025, moved roughly four miles through Longwood and Lake Mary near Markham Woods Road, and lifted at Lake Emma; county leaders said there were no injuries.
The update came from Allen Harris, Director of Emergency Management for Seminole County, during the March 11 county commission meeting. Harris said the National Weather Service’s early alerts and many residents’ use of safe rooms and closets likely prevented injuries. "We did experience the EF 2 tornado yesterday at 09:36 in the morning," Harris told the commission.
Why it matters: commissioners said the quick clearing of roads and the coordinated response by county crews, fire, law enforcement and utilities limited additional harm and helped first responders reach affected neighborhoods. Commissioners asked staff to keep assisting residents through cleanup and insurance recovery.
County and partner actions and resources - Road clearance: Public works crews, with fire department support, cleared roads within about an hour after the storm to allow fire, EMS and law enforcement access. Commissioners repeatedly praised the speed of that response. - Temporary roofing: Seminole County established a distribution location for tarps at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church to provide temporary roof coverings for damaged homes. - Damage assessments: The American Red Cross performed case assessments on homes along the tornado path. - Debris management: Solid Waste Management placed four dumpsters in the hardest-hit neighborhood for construction and storm debris; county crews will pick them up on a regular schedule and continue neighborhood cleanup for several days. - Utilities: County officials said Duke Energy restored service to homes that could safely receive power; homes with severe structural damage remain without power until repairs are made.
Commissioners’ response and follow-up Commissioner Herr, whose district includes the impacted area, described the damage as ‘‘absolutely devastating’’ but limited geographically, and thanked neighbors for helping each other and county crews for rapid response. Commissioners asked staff to continue outreach to affected residents and to coordinate debris removal and assistance. County Manager and senior staff were cited by name for leading recovery efforts.
Safety guidance and next steps Harris and commissioners urged residents who are cleaning up storm damage to wear gloves and closed-toe shoes and to watch for nails and other hazards. County staff will continue debris removal and coordination with nonprofit and faith-based partners; the county encouraged residents with damaged roofs to use the tarp distribution point and to contact county staff for help navigating insurance and recovery programs.
No formal board action was taken during the update; commissioners thanked emergency staff and moved on to the next agenda items.
