NWS confirms tornado hit Florida. See videos, photos shared on social media
"There's enough video and picture evidence to show it was a tornado," meteorologist Brandon Black of the NWS Mobile office said in a phone interview early Wednesday morning.
➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location
"We'll be sending someone out this morning to survey" the damage and return with more details on strength, path and length of time it was on the ground.
Residents in the area are facing more severe weather tonight, and "we can't rule out a tornado once again," Black said.
➤ Cold front, rain could affect Daytona 500. See what to expect in Florida
The National Weather Service received multiple reports of a tornado touching the ground shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and causing damage at 1 NE Ferry Pass in the Ellyson Industrial Park on Copter Road in the Pensacola metro area.
➤ 'It was just a freak storm'
Roofs were ripped off buildings and power lines were knocked down, according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.
Escambia County officials said three people were injured during the storm and two were transported to local hospitals.
"Another round of severe weather is possible for the Florida Panhandle later tonight, probably after midnight," Black said.
Another cold front is moving into the area from the west late tonight, bringing drier and cooler temperatures after it passes through.
➤ Back-to-back winter storms will bring plenty of rain to the Florida Panhandle this week
"With that round, we expect some damaging winds and we can't rule out a tornado once again."
"Big thunderstorms produce severe weather. Yesterday's were from showers, with no lightning. They're usually very small and difficult to see on radar," Black said.
"Yesterday's (storms) were a little more unique, making it hard for forecasters to predict.
"Their small size don't last long, which makes it difficult to warn (people) on. Typical severe weather from deeper and stronger thunderstorms are more noticeable for us."
With most of the severe weather expected to arrive after midnight, Black said it's important to "stay weather aware."
Keep your phone charged and have a way to receive weather alerts that will wake you up if a warning is sent.
We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
Contributor: Brandon Girod, Edward Bunch III, Pensacola News Journal
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola tornado hits industrial park, injures 3. Threats continue
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