Weather

10 years later Central Florida remembers deadly Groundhog Day tornado outbreak

On Groundhog Day in 2007, Central Florida experienced the second deadliest tornado outbreak.

Storms ramped up after midnight, with the perfect setup for an evening of severe storms crossing over the Sunshine State.

LIVE CHAT: Tom Terry talks about deadly 2007 tornado outbreak

FACEBOOK CHAT: Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry, WFTV talks about the deadly 2007 tornado outbreak. Here's more on those deadly storms: http://at.wftv.com/2kYMUTs

Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Thursday, February 2, 2017

It was a warm and humid night. WFTV's chief meteorologist Tom Terry and meteorologist Brian Shields were on television that morning and warned viewers as they watched the storms on the radar as they moved in from the Gulf of Mexico pushing over Sumter County, where it first touched down, just after 3 a.m.

Surviving the tornado, 2007.

With 13 people killed in this one part of Lake county (Lake Mack Park), here's a great story of survival. A weather radio and our free WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 weather app can truly save your life. WFTV Channel 9 Brian Shields, WFTV

Posted by Tom Terry, WFTV on Thursday, February 2, 2017

There were a total of three tornadoes that morning of Feb. 2, 2007, over a 70-mile path.

The first tornado spun up near Wildwood in Sumter County and another in Lake County in the Lady Lake area and the Villages area. A total of 21 people died on that day 10 years ago.

This was the first time the Enhanced Fujita scale was used. The strongest tornado was EF-3, with peak winds between 136–165 mph. The tornadoes destroyed dozens of homes, and hundreds were damaged.

"Devastation" sums it up after the second deadliest tornado outbreak in our history happened 10 years ago today. This...

Posted by Tom Terry, WFTV on Thursday, February 2, 2017

Tornadoes may occur during any season of the year, pretty much anywhere in the country, if the right weather conditions are present. But February sticks out as the month with the most deaths in Florida. Since 1950, there have been 63 deaths in Florida in the month of February.

Meteorologically during this month, most of the ingredients could be present to make tornado development most favorable. If the jet stream plunges far enough south and the collision between the southern warm air masses with the cold air masses from the north occur over the state, tornadoes can easily develop.

Groundhog Day Tornado Survivor

After the #GroundHogDay tornado outbreak in 2007, I went to the Lake Mack area of Lake county to survey the damage (EF-3, 160mph), and talk to survivors. 13 people died in this area, most were probably asleep as the storm hit just before 3:50am. Here's a short clip, and another good reason to have not only a NOAA weather radio, but our free WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 app at the ready.

Posted by Tom Terry, WFTV on Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Groundhog Day Tornado Survivor

After the #GroundHogDay tornado outbreak in 2007, I went to the Lake Mack area of Lake county to survey the damage (EF-3, 160mph), and talk to survivors. 13 people died in this area, most were probably asleep as the storm hit just before 3:50am. Here's a short clip, and another good reason to have not only a NOAA weather radio, but our free WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 app at the ready.

Posted by Tom Terry, WFTV on Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Although the beginning of February has started out tranquil, people must not let their guard down. It is recommended that residents have at least three ways of getting weather alerts. The NOAA Weather Radio is a good option if they do not have a mobile device. Also, the WFTV Weather app will notify people verbally of the threat occurring in the area. It is free and available for iOS and Android devices.

        RECEIVE SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS: DOWNLOAD WFTV WEATHER APP

Meteorologist George Waldenberger visited Lake County and talked to some of the survivors from the 2007 tornado outbreak; their recollection of this tragic day, starting at 4 p.m. on Channel 9.

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