Deadly thunderstorms and strong winds have wreaked havoc across Florida, leaving a trail of destruction over the past week. Jacksonville and Tallahassee experienced multiple severe weather events, resulting in significant property damage, including fallen trees that crushed homes and vehicles.

The intensity of these storms escalated as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes ravaged parts of the Southeast, claiming at least four lives. In Florida, tragedy struck in Leon County where a woman died after a tree collapsed onto her house, as reported by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.

Suspected tornadoes targeted three counties in Florida: Walton, Gadsden, and Leon. To assess the extent of the devastation, the National Weather Service's Tallahassee office dispatched crews to the affected areas on Saturday.

The storms also brought extraordinarily strong winds, with Jacksonville recording gusts up to 73 mph and Lake City experiencing winds of 71 mph. These conditions exacerbated the damage, especially in the Railroad Square Art District of Tallahassee, which saw significant disruptions on Friday.

As of Saturday morning, over 97,500 utility customers in Florida were left without power, illustrating the widespread impact of the storm. The National Weather Service forecasts that the heavy rain will persist across parts of the South and Southeast until Tuesday, further complicating recovery efforts.

Adding to the concerns, the National Weather Service anticipates another wave of showers and thunderstorms on Sunday, driven by warm Gulf air. This new round of storms is likely to enhance the risk of flash flooding, particularly in regions already saturated from previous rainfall. Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepare for continued adverse weather conditions, which could lead to more flash floods and storm-related damage.