WFLA/Martha Hicks
A terrifying moment was captured on camera, as a Florida woman watched a tornado rip through her neighborhood, flipping a nearby house with residents still inside.
The incident was caught by Martha Hicks, a Ranchero Village resident, on her Ring camera.
In the Ring camera footage, debris was flying through the air, crashing into other homes on the Florida block. Several massive objects—probably carried from around the neighborhood—slammed against houses, trees, and a nearby lamppost. Hicks watched in horror as the violent gushes of air uprooted an entire house that stood only a couple feet away from her residence.
Three corners of the neighbor’s house were lifted above ground for at least 20 seconds before falling back down in a heavy slump.
“There was a lady in there, and I guess when the house went up, it stayed up for a second and came back down. The whole house come up, and she says she rolled around a few times and had debris on top of her, but when the house finally landed, she managed to get herself out,” Hicks told WFLA.
On June 25, Pinellas County residents faced severe thunderstorms that brought hail, heavy winds, and a tornado through the streets.
The National Weather Service said it will send someone to assess the damage.
Though tornadoes most frequently affect the Midwest and Southeastern regions of the U.S., tornadoes can occur anywhere. An estimated 1,000 tornadoes occur throughout the U.S. each year, causing over $1.1 billion in property damage in 2023 and nearly $72 billion since 1950, according to Consumer Affairs.
“Over 90% of South Florida tornadoes fall in the EF-0 and EF-1 category, which translates to winds less than 110 mph. Impacts from these tornadoes typically include: significant damage to mobile homes, uprooted trees/broken tree branches, downed power lines, minor structural/roof damage to buildings, and patio/pool screen enclosures,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Since 1992, South Florida has averaged eleven reported tornadoes per year, and since 1950 over 160 tornadoes of EF-1 or EF-2 intensity on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (winds greater than 85 mph) have occurred.”
Protecting your home from tornadoes
Tornadoes in Florida can significantly affect property values, both in the immediate aftermath and potentially long term.
While property values typically recover over time as repairs are made, the initial impact of tornado damage can be substantial, and some buyers might be hesitant to purchase a property with a history of tornado damage, even after repairs. If multiple properties in a neighborhood are damaged, the entire area might become less desirable, leading to a broader decrease in property values.
The past four years have seen record-breaking tornado activity, with the most recent outbreak being the second major storm surge in just weeks. Millions of residents across the Carolinas were placed under tornado watches, including those in major metro areas.
While no home is completely tornado-proof, knowing and following local building codes can significantly improve a home’s ability to withstand severe storms. Many high-risk regions have specific construction standards and retrofit options designed to strengthen structures against extreme winds and debris.
Experts note that materials like reinforced concrete, steel, and impact-resistant windows offer better protection than traditional wood framing or standard glass.
Homes built after 1990 often incorporate designs that distribute wind force more effectively, but older homes might need upgrades like anchor bolts or hurricane straps to reach similar levels of stability.
Big upgrades help, but small actions matter, too. Experts say clearing the yard of loose items, like toys or tools, can prevent them from becoming dangerous debris.
Closing interior doors can help contain damage to one area of the home, and having a designated, ready-to-use safe space gives homeowners a better chance of staying protected when a tornado hits.