Devastation in Central FL

The darker side of weather... Our area only encountered a significant rainfall (2.2" at my house) and I counted 3 rumbles of thunder (yes, just 3), but early this morning in central Florida, there are reports that some tornadoes reaked some havoc. Fatalities reported, homes destroyed, people still missing, possibly buried in debris, mobile homes literally ripped to shreds, Church demolished that was built to withstand 150 mph winds (which probably means a substantial tornado), trucks lifted off the interstate and dropped onto other trucks, 20,000 without power. I just read a report that there were 14 fatalities and 500 structures damaged, resulting from this powerful little storm. It's a sad day for many waking up to the devastating destruction caused by a powerful storm. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted. I hate to hear about storms hitting while people are still asleep. It's incredibly sad. The pictures on the news sites are horrific, devastation, homes are leveled. Truly awful. Looks like Lady Lake, FL was hit pretty hard. CNN reported, "Many residents said they were unaware trouble was coming and didn't hear warning sirens". That breaks my heart. I watched some video footage that was humbling, the destructive power of that storm was unimaginable.

It was an impressive squall that cut across Central Florida as the cold Arctic air spressing against a much warmer airmass. Fortunately for the folks in that area, the system has drifted off into the Atlantic. The worst of it is over.

Aside from all that, today is Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow today, which according to someone... not really sure who decided this... Spring is on its way. I assume that's for Pennsylvania though because Atlanta has a weather forecasting rodent of their own for the southern part of the country. Don't have a clue what the southern rodent forecasts, but I'm not interested enough to find out either.

Ah yes, our weather, as usual, the rain and severe weather generated by the cold front rolling in, slowly bringing it's dry and cold air. Sigh... The NWS dropped the non-liquid precip wording from the forecast. Whew... that is a relief.

Have a great day!
~Dewdrop