TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A line of strong and severe thunderstorms pushed across the Florida panhandle Friday morning, leaving a path of destruction from tornadoes and winds topping 70 miles per hour in some storms.
The frontal system that pushed through has been responsible for spawning tornadoes across the southeastern United States. Earlier in the week, tornadoes tore through parts of North Alabama and Southern Tennessee. Tornadoes were also reported in numerous other states, from Michigan to Texas.
In May, there were 129 preliminary reports of tornadoes across the United States. The 129 through the first 8 days of May followed the month of April, when 378 tornadoes were reported, according to AccuWeather.
According to the National Weather Service, 699 preliminary tornado reports have been filed in the United States so far this year, 150 more than the historical average for this point in the year.
Brides, families fighting for refunds after event venue closes suddenly
“We’ve struggled so hard to scrape the money to be able to do this for her,” Irizarry said. “She’s my only girl and I wanted this so much for her.”
Couples and families who had weddings and events planned at a well-known venue that abruptly closed claim they’re out thousands of dollars and aren’t being given refunds. Annette Irizarry was supposed to hold her 15-year-old daughter’s quinceañera in August at the Clearwater location and said she’s now out the $6,160 she paid. Without that money, Irizarry said she can’t afford to have her daughter’s celebration somewhere else.
