Longwood, Fla. — A powerful EF-2 tornado wreaked havoc across Longwood, Florida, on the morning of March 10, 2025, destroying at least one home and transforming the local scenery with its violent winds reaching up to 120 mph.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down around 9:40 AM, marking its start near Interstate 4 before continuing northeast. Meteorologist William Ulrich stated, “This tornado carved out damage across several neighborhoods for approximately four miles, and lasted for at least five minutes.”
Among the most devastating outcomes was the complete collapse of a two-story home on Blue Iris Place, where two residents were present at the time. Thankfully, they emerged uninjured due to the protection of the uncollapsed section of the house. “It does appear there is severe damage,” confirmed Assistant Chief Tod Zellers from the Seminole County Fire Department. The collapse represented about 80% of the structure, illustrating the sheer force of the tornado.
Eyewitnesses described the frightening scene. One resident, Emily Sless, commented on the destruction visible from her home, “This is worse than a hurricane.” She reported how her husband and son reacted quickly, taking shelter as the storm approached. “You couldn’t even see out the doors, and everything was completely white,” Sless recalled.
While there were no injuries reported, the tornado damaged several houses across neighborhoods, particularly affecting the Whispering Winds community. Emergency response teams quickly mobilized, launching damage assessments and clearing fallen trees and powerlines obstructing the roads. Roughly 3,500 residents lost power due to the storm’s violent winds, leading to significant disruptions.
Duke Energy crews worked tirelessly to restore electricity, and emergency management departments coordinated with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office to establish a unified command for efficient response. “We do have significant operations on the ground, and our community is coming together,” Zellers said.
The National Weather Service predicts this EF-2 tornado, classified as rare for Central Florida, could serve as a reminder of the necessity for preparedness during this time of unpredictable weather. “Generally speaking, 90% of tornadoes seen here are typically EF-0 or EF-1, which are still potentially damaging,” Ulrich noted. “This tornado remains a rare event, reflecting the urgency for residents to heed weather alerts and take shelter when warnings are issued.”
Initial reports also mentioned two individuals inside the collapsed home who narrowly escaped without injuries. “We are evaluating the rest of the area and have established the necessary safety protocols,” said the fire department, emphasizing the community’s vigilance and rapid response to the storm.
Residents living near I-4 were on high alert throughout the morning, with multiple tornado warnings issued across Central Florida. The National Weather Service is currently conducting storm surveys to examine the tornado’s complete impact. “Two people were inside the home at the time of the collapse,” said emergency responders. “It’s really miraculous they were not harmed.”
This tornado event has inspired widespread community efforts to rebuild and recover. Neighbors are working together to clear debris as crews continue to assess structures for damages. “Tarps are being distributed at St. Stephen Lutheran Church for impacted residents, and our teams are ready to assist families needing shelter,” noted John Lanzetti from the American Red Cross, who is part of the response team.
One driver’s story during the storm highlights the dangerous capabilities of such weather phenomena. A big rig overturned on Lake Mary, but both the driver and his dog survived relatively unhurt. “I was resting inside when the truck flipped,” the driver recalled through a translator. “I was very scared because the semi was lifted off the ground and then slammed down.”
The community of Longwood is now mobilizing, with residents determined to find normalcy after this turbulent event. Zellers expressed gratitude for the swift reaction from the public, which he said likely saved many lives. “Most residents had enough time to take shelter, which prevented serious injuries,” he noted.
This tornado's impact on infrastructure, homes, and local businesses is significant, leaving residents to pick up the pieces following the devastating event. Reports of downed trees and roofing debris litter the area, showcasing the tornado's path through neighborhoods. Photos taken by residents reveal the extent of destruction, evoking memories tied to past severe storms.
Cleanup efforts are already underway, as residents, volunteers, and emergency crews work hand-in-hand to remove debris, clear roadways, and begin the rebuilding process. “It’s going to take time, but we’re resilient,” remarked one local leader, reinforcing the community's spirit amid this challenging recovery.
This event magnifies the importance of readiness for severe weather across Central Florida. The swift action taken by residents and emergency services alike has paved the way for recovery, emphasizing the value of vigilance, shelter planning, and response preparedness when dangerous storms arise. The National Weather Service will continue to analyze the tornado’s damage report to inform future preventative measures.
With the immediate danger passed, families are beginning to process the experience, moving forward with resilience and determination. Central Florida might have faced a terrifying storm, but the community’s bond appears stronger than ever as they work together to rebuild their lives.