A powerful tornado struck a Florida television station during a live weather broadcast, forcing meteorologists and staff to take cover as the storm damaged the building.
The shocking moment, which unfolded in real-time, highlighted the unpredictable and dangerous nature of severe weather in the region.
According to CNN and The Weather Channel, the tornado touched down on the afternoon of March 9, 2025, in the city of Tampa, Florida.
The severe storm system had been developing throughout the day, with meteorologists warning viewers about the potential for tornadoes and damaging winds.
During a live weather update, WFLA-TV, a local NBC affiliate, suddenly experienced strong winds and power fluctuations.
As meteorologist John Carter was giving the forecast, the studio lights flickered, and loud crashing sounds were heard in the background. Within seconds, the broadcast cut out as the station’s emergency alarms went off.
As reported by Fox News, the tornado caused significant damage to parts of the WFLA-TV station, shattering windows and tearing portions of the roof off.
Some employees took shelter in hallways and designated storm-safe areas within the building.
Despite the intensity of the storm, no injuries were reported among the station’s staff.
However, several vehicles in the station’s parking lot were flipped over, and debris was scattered across nearby streets.
WFLA’s chief meteorologist, Sarah Donovan, later recounted the terrifying experience in an interview with ABC News:
“We were tracking the storm in real-time, and suddenly, we realized it was heading straight for us.
The moment we heard the wind pick up and felt the pressure change, we knew we had to get to safety immediately.”
The station quickly resumed broadcasting from an off-site backup studio, ensuring that the public continued receiving critical weather updates.
The tornado was part of a larger storm system that swept across Florida, causing widespread damage and power outages. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the tornado was classified as an EF-2, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 mph.
Local authorities reported downed trees, structural damage, and thousands of residents left without electricity. Emergency responders worked through the night to clear debris and assist those affected.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement urging residents to stay vigilant during severe weather events. He emphasized the importance of having an emergency plan and paying attention to official weather alerts.
The NWS continues to monitor storm activity, warning that additional severe weather could impact parts of the Southeast in the coming days.
