Several officials from various local agencies held a press conference today, October 12th, 2023 at 9:30am, at Indian Trails Complex, regarding the possible tornado that touched down in the B Section of Palm Coast. At 4:45 am, a possible tornado touched down in the B Section in the area between Belle Terre and I-95.
Residents in the Barrington Drive and surrounding areas have been reporting major damages. In one instance a car was overturned, one house has lost its entire roof, many homes are missing parts of their roofs, and other residents are reporting missing sections of fence, missing trampolines, damages to screened porches and more.
Photo courtesy FlaglerWeatherInfo
Photo courtesy FlaglerWeatherInfo
Photo courtesy FlaglerWeatherInfo
Power lines are down in many areas, and residents are urged to stay far away from them. There are also many downed trees in the area, and emergency crews are working diligently to clear them.
Both Emergency Management Director Lord and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly have urged the public to avoid the area. FCSO Deputies are not stopping everyone, but they ask that if you are not a resident of this area, to please avoid it.
Director Lord reiterated that there are several homes with severe structural damages, downed power lines and roads blocked with downed trees. The Emergency Management Department and the National Weather Service both have staff on the ground in this area assessing damages to determine if this was in fact a tornado or not.
Sheriff Rick Staly echoed Director Lord’s sentiments and also added, “Don’t try to come to this area to prey on the residents or we will arrest you.” Staly again reiterated that they are urging people to avoid the area while they work to ensure everyone’s safety.
Residents who are in need of assistance can go to Parkview church. Parkview church is currently manned with church staff and Flagler County Staff until 12pm today to assist those who need it.
