EF1 tornado damages buildings, downs trees in downtown Sarasota

SARASOTA, Fla. - A pocket of strong storms moved over downtown Sarasota Wednesday afternoon, causing damage to buildings and knocking over large trees. A few hours later, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado was present in the area.

The Sarasota Police Department shared video of the tornado, spotted just after 2 p.m., north of PD headquarters. 

"We have Officers who have responded to the 2000 blk of 10th St for reports of damage. No injuries reported," Sarasota PD's tweet said.

The Sarasota County Emergency Management said damage was reported in several areas, including Fruitville Road and East Avenue, in the 2100 block of 10th Street, in the 2300 block of Margaret Street, and in the 1100 block of N Lime Avenue.  

FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon took pictures around downtown, showing a large tree that had fallen across a roadway and a building with multiple garage bays that apparently lost its roof. 

A family who works in one of the buildings said the twister only lasted about 10 seconds, but did a lot of damage. They said they felt lucky to have made it out alive.

Off 10th Street and East Avenue Torian Alvis and his co-workers, all family, braced themselves.

"We were in the back working and then I heard some wood fall and something I went to go look at it and it was a big gust of wind, dust and everything came flying through the back doors. We took off running towards the front and roof just started lifting up. We dove next to dumpsters and everything we could find to get underneath because the roof was coming down," said Alvis. 

As quickly as employees at Alvis Industries took cover, the tornado had passed.

"We crawled out basically. It all happened it was 10 seconds maybe," said Alvis. 

Firefighters were on the scene to help clean up the damage left behind. Parts of the roof were thrown across the building and into trees. and a downed tree blocked the road nearby. 

Radar views of the storm as it moved onshore near Longboat Key showed a compact, strong area of rain. 

At the time, Meteorologist Tyler Eliasen said the storm showed "some weak rotation at times." 

Even with so many people at work, the employees at Alvis industries walked away unharmed.

"They are extremely lucky. The entire building. There is extensive damage in this building," said Sarasota Co. Fire Dept. Assistant Chief Brian Kehoe.

The building and material can be replaced. 
While it sets back business, Torian feels a bit of luck on his side.

"I'm gonna go buy a lottery ticket," he said.