Tornadoes Barrel Through Florida Ahead of Hurricane Milton
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By KENNETH J. BRADDICK
WELLINGTON, Florida, Oct. 9, 2024–Numerous homes were destroyed when one of several tornadoes barrelled through Florida Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Milton that was forecast to hit the state’s Gulf coast in the Tampa area at category 3 with winds up to 130 mph/200kph.
Houses in areas of Wellington known as Aero Club, Binks Forest and Flying Cow Road–mostly residences but also several horses barns–were smashed by the tornado that moved north into the neighboring equestrian community of Loxahatchee.
Among the homes and stables severely damaged and possibly destroyed included those of prominent dressage riders in both Wellington and surrounding areas, including the home of Australian Olympic rider Kelly Layne and her husband, Steve.
No fatalities in the Wellington area were confirmed as of Wednesday night.
Wellington is used to hurricanes and first responders from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the fire department were on the scene throughout the areas of Wellington that sustained damage.
However, longtime residents could not recall a tornado in the community.
Milton hits Florida less than two weeks after the hurricane Helene smashed into about the same Gulf coast area.
