BAY COUNTY, Fla. – Strong storms ripped through the Florida Panhandle early Tuesday, causing major damage in Bay County, the home to Panama City Beach, according to officials.
Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said on Facebook that his office has received numerous reports of damage and several people have been rescued out of structures.
“We’ve had multiple tornadoes on the ground,” Ford said in the video.
Video from the air over Panama City Beach on Tuesday evening showed massive devastation after several tornadoes are suspected of wreaking havoc across the state.
It’s not known whether anyone was injured, and the National Weather Service has yet to confirm how many tornadoes touched down.
However, Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed at least four possible tornadoes near Bay and Jackson counties. DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for 49 counties, which will remain in effect for one week.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Pinpoint Weather App | PINS: Share your weather photos, videos]
“Everyone needs to seek shelter,” Ford said, urging residents to get off the roads as more bad weather approached the area on Tuesday. “You need to find a safe space inside of your house — a windowless room, interior room. We want y’all to stay safe.”
Authorities said damage was reported near Thomas Drive at Panama City Beach and Resota Beach Road in Southport.
Residents in Panama City Beach shared a video along Beach Drive, which shows buildings that were completely demolished. Officials there said at least 100 residents have been displaced.
The Grand Lagoon Bridge was closed due to debris in the roadway, officials said. The Florida Highway Patrol also closed the West Bay and Hathaway bridges due to the storms.
Panama City’s Pirate’s Cove Marina was hit hard by the storm, too. Video from the roadway shows collapsed buildings and boat trailers tipped over.
In Graceville, residents said another suspected tornado had them running for cover as entire RV and trailer parks were destroyed.
In Alabama, officials said an 81-year-old woman was killed near Cottonwood.
The same line of storms impacted Central Florida later in the day.
Representatives with the National Weather Service are expected to survey the damage on the ground Wednesday to determine the amount of tornadoes and their strength levels.
Anyone displaced by the severe weather can call 800-REDCROSS.
Make sure you have multiple ways of being notified of warnings where you are on Tuesday, including the FREE News 6 Pinpoint Weather App, which features one-touch radar and updates from News 6 meteorologists.