Director Kevin Guthrie on-scene in Liberty County
On Thursday April 27, 2023, a strong weather system produced severe thunderstorms causing damaging wind gusts of 50-70 mph, tornadoes, and quarter to golf ball sized hail. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) radar confirmed multiple tornadoes spanning from Bay to Madison County, with two “Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS)” tornado warnings issued in western Leon, Liberty, and Gadsden Counties. Throughout the system, 34 severe thunderstorm warnings and 21 tornado warnings were issued.
This morning, Director Guthrie arrived on-scene in Liberty County to speak with County Emergency Management Director Rhonda Peddle Lewis and assess damages. FDEM stands ready to deploy resources as requested to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.
Additional severe weather is forecasted this weekend in the Panhandle reaching the East Coast. The primary concerns with this activity will be locally damaging wind gusts (50-70 mph), severe to large hail, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall. If your area is experiencing severe weather, please heed all weather alerts and monitor information from local officials. If a tornado is in your area, seek shelter immediately.
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is deploying the following:
- Director Kevin Guthrie is on-scene in Liberty County meeting with County Emergency Management Director Rhonda Peddle Lewis. He remains in communication with County Emergency Management Directors in impacted counties throughout the Panhandle.
- Director Kevin Guthrie has made an official request for Tallahassee District Saw Crews from the Florida Forest Service to assist with tree removal in roadways.
- SERT field staff are in the field assisting local county and city governments with life safety needs and damage assessments.
- FDEM has deployed 2,000 tarps to Hosford to mitigate against continued roof damage as storms continue.
Other State efforts include:
Florida Department of Transportation
- FDOT crews are currently assisting utility companies in Liberty County to remove trees from downed power lines on State Road (S.R.) 20 and S.R. 65.
- FDOT crews conducted roadway and bridge assessments in Bay and Calhoun counties following severe weather and found both counties free of damage and debris on state facilities.
- FDOT is continuing to monitor weather conditions and will assist first responders with traffic control, detours or road closures if needed to clear all roadways.
- FDOT is encouraging motorists to monitor weather reports and road conditions.
Department of Law Enforcement
- FDLE is communicating with local law enforcement partners in the impacted areas. No unmet needs have been reported at this time.
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- FHP Troopers from Troops H and A responded to Liberty County to assist residents with clearing debris, traffic control, checking on residents and providing chainsaw teams to assist with clearing roads.
Department of Environmental Protection
- DEP continues to monitor the operational status and condition of regulated facilities as well as the State Watch Office notifications for any reported discharges associated with tornadoes in the Panhandle.
- DEP will continue to work in close coordination with FDEM as they complete their on-the-ground assessments.
Agency for Healthcare Administration
- AHCA has contacted facilities in areas heavily impacted by severe weather and tornadoes. Facilities have reported no concerns and remain fully operational.
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- APD utilized GIS coordinates to locate clients and staff in affected areas. Follow-up has indicated that APD-operated facilities in the affected areas are fine and never lost power. Group Homes and clients in other living settings have reported no unmet needs.
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- FDACS’ division of the Florida Forest Service is deploying resources and chainsaw crews to assist communities in Liberty County.
Department of Education
- Commissioner Manny Diaz has been in communication with Superintendents in impacted areas to confirm student and teacher safety.
- Liberty County Schools are closed today, April 28, 2023.
Department of Elder Affairs
- DOEA has confirmed providers in the area are safe. Staff continue to call through their senior client contacts to confirm safety and take reports of unmet needs.
