An early morning storm system generated as many as four tornadoes in Florida early Sunday morning, according to preliminary storm reports from the National Weather Service. Early reports indicated at least two people died as a result of the storm.
In Manatee County, two people died and a child was in serious condition after a tornado destroyed a mobile home, the Suncoast News Network reported.
Preliminary reports from NWS showed a structure apparently collapsed in Duette.
No other fatalities were immediately reported.
According to NWS, three other tornadoes were reported in Sarasota County, although it was not immediately clear whether they were indeed three separate incidents. County officials said power went out to thousands of people but no major injuries were reported.
The storm caused structural damage to several condominiums on Siesta Key and downed trees, powerlines and signs, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office. Winds were estimated to have reached 70 mph in Sarasota, according to NWS preliminary storm reports.
Sarasota Fire Rescue reported multiple rescues throughout the area, mainly in Siesta Key, according to WTSP.
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