Deaths Reported as Storm Moves Across Central Florida

TAVARES, Fla. — At least seven people were killed in early morning storms that ripped through central Florida, damaging homes and cutting out power as people reported of tornadoes touching down.

Sgt. John Herrell of the Lake County Sheriff's Office confirmed seven people died in the Lake Mack area of DeLand. He describes the area as "complete and total devastation" and said search and rescue teams were on the scene.

The storms moved across Sumter and Lake counties around 3:15 a.m., then moved to Volusia County, said Peggy Glitto, a weather service meteorologist.

"You could just hear the wind just take everything," said DeLand resident Dot Owens, whose daughter is disabled and unable to walk.

"I can’t get my car out, I can’t get my daughter’s wheelchair out, and she can’t walk. She’s still in the house. The roofs off, the walls gone, everything’s wet, of course," Owens said.

Aerial shots from local news stations showed mass damage, with homes and buildings flattened and debris strewn across roads.

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