National Weather Service says tornado touched down in Plantation

PLANTATION, Fla. – The National Weather Service confirmed Tuesday that a tornado touched down overnight in Plantation, uprooting trees that crushed vehicles in one neighborhood.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service surveyed the damage and later determined that it was caused by an EF-1 tornado.

"I'm amazed actually," Plantation resident Joseph Paipilla said. "I live right there, and I opened the door with my two dogs, and the first thing I see is the tree down."

Some residents said they were awakened by lightning and strong winds in their neighborhoods. 

"It was just really loud, a lot of wind," Plantation resident Terry Roberts said. "It kind of sounded a little bit like a freight train came through."

There were also reports of heavy hail throughout Broward County. 

The Plantation Fire Department reported that a possible tornado touched down between Nob Hill Road and Northwest Sixth Street through Clearly Boulevard and Northwest 98th Street. 

Forecasters said winds in Plantation easily topped 80 mph and were likely closer to 100 mph.

"You know, tornado versus straight-line wind -- either one, when you have 80 mph wind or greater, can cause a problem, no matter if it's a tornado spinning or if it is straight," Robert Garcia of the NWS said.

Several vehicles were left smashed after the strong winds came through the area.

Luz Consuegra told Local 10 News reporter Ian Margol that she's just grateful that she and her family are safe after a tree crushed her minivan.

"My mom and my niece stay here, and everybody is good, you see?" she said. 

Emergency responders haven't received any reports of injuries from the storm. Florida Power & Light crews were able to restore power to most people relatively quickly.