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Okeechobee County, FL - A sudden burst of strong winds swept through Okeechobee County on Monday, leaving several homes and businesses with significant damage.
Emergency officials confirmed multiple structures suffered roof damage, and vehicles were overturned as gusts reached dangerous speeds.
Okeechobee County Emergency Management reported that at least five homes and two commercial buildings sustained damage due to the high winds.
Some properties lost entire sections of their roofs, while an overturned box truck and a flipped camper added to the destruction.
According to the National Weather Service, the event was caused by intense straight-line winds rather than a tornado.
A weather station in the area recorded wind gusts peaking at 68 mph around 12:21 p.m. Monday.
The Okeechobee County Emergency Management updated the public regarding Monday's on Facebook, writing "UPDATE: Thankfully, no injuries were reported with this event but at least five homes and two commercial buildings sustained some roof damage. Huge thank you to Okeechobee County Fire Rescue, Okeechobee County Sheriffs Office, and Glades Electric Cooperative for their fast response to the area
Original Post: Okeechobee County is currently responding to a strong wind event that occurred in Okeechobee Little Farms - 102nd Street. Fire Rescue and the Roads Department are responding to home damages, power lines down and trees in the road. PLEASE avoid this area while our crews respond to clear the roads. Thank you!"
Despite the destruction, no injuries were reported.
Emergency response teams, including the American Red Cross, have been deployed to provide aid to those affected.
The local community has also stepped up, offering support to displaced families.