Tornado warning issued for the Sarasota area

The NWS recommends: “TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! If your home is flooded, stay away from the floodwaters. Seek shelter indoors if possible. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in an RV or in a vehicle, get to the nearest stable shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”

See weather radar for the Sarasota area

What do meteorologists say?

At 7:01 a.m., the NWS issued a statement: TORTBW The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a Tornado Warning for… southwestern Hardee County in central Florida… eastern Manatee County in west central Florida… northwestern DeSoto County in south central Florida… Until 7:30 a.m. EDT. At 7:01 a.m. EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 9 miles west of Arcadia, moving northwest at 45 mph.

DANGER: Tornado.

SOURCE: Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACTS: Flying debris will become hazardous to unsheltered individuals. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Roof, window, and vehicle damage will occur. Tree damage is likely. This tornado-prone thunderstorm will remain primarily over rural areas of southwest Hardee, eastern Manatee, and northwest DeSoto County, including the following locations: Myakka Head.”