Frances Bristol lost her roof and entire third-floor apartment when a tornado tore through Palm Beach Gardens. NBC6’s Jamie Guirola reports
A tornado touched down late Saturday afternoon in the area of Palm Beach Gardens, causing destruction and leaving damaged properties in its wake.
The National Weather Service in Miami said the EF-2 tornado had winds of 130 mph and left homes, buildings, trees, power poles and cars damaged.
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As a result of widespread damage, the City of Palm Beach Gardens partially activated its Emergency Operations Center with personnel from police, fire and public works to address cleanup.
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Most of the damage experienced was in the area of PGA Boulevard, east of the Intracoastal waterway, to US 1.
Frances Bristol lost her roof and entire third-floor apartment.
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"At 81 years old, it's horrifying," she said. "It really is you hear about tornadoes and hurricanes. but nothing to this extreme."
Bristol's son was in the apartment when the tornado spiraled through.
"It was horrifying for him because he had to deal with the full impact of the tornado getting the glass," she said. "He ran for his room."
The intersection of PGA Boulevard and US 1 remains closed at this time as work continues to clear the roadway and restore power and traffic operations.
Multiple roadways were blocked with debris and downed trees.
City engineer and building officials are continuing to do structural damage assessments.
So far, they have reported roof damage, minor structural damage to buildings, many downed trees and a lot of vehicle damage throughout the city.
Fire Rescue states that no injuries were reported in their jurisdiction due to the storm, but they did assist with transports in nearby areas.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department continues to monitor four intersections without power or on flash.
