Close Call: Tornado Touchdown Impacts Durbin Crossing, Liberty Pines Academy

David

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Post on Jun 01, 2025

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Close Call: Tornado Touchdown Impacts Durbin Crossing, Liberty Pines Academy

Durbin, Florida – March 8, 2024 – A tornado touched down near Durbin Crossing and Liberty Pines Academy late yesterday afternoon, causing significant damage and narrowly avoiding a potentially catastrophic event. While no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported, the close call has left residents shaken and highlighted the vulnerability of the area to severe weather.

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the tornado, classifying it as an EF-1 with estimated wind speeds of 90-100 mph. The twister touched down around 4:45 PM, its path cutting a swathe through a portion of the Durbin Crossing community and impacting the grounds of Liberty Pines Academy. Thankfully, school had already been dismissed for the day.

<h3>Significant Damage Reported</h3>

Initial reports indicate substantial damage to several properties within the affected area. This includes downed trees, power lines, and structural damage to homes and businesses. Numerous images and videos circulating on social media depict the chaotic scene, showing debris scattered across streets and significant damage to roofing and siding. One resident, interviewed by local news, described the experience as "terrifying," recounting the sudden roar and the intense wind that ripped through their neighborhood.

The NWS is currently conducting a thorough damage assessment to determine the full extent of the destruction. This assessment will inform the official damage report and assist in determining the precise path of the tornado. Preliminary reports suggest the tornado’s path was relatively short-lived, but its intensity caused considerable concern.

<h3>Liberty Pines Academy Remains Closed</h3>

Liberty Pines Academy, while not directly hit by the brunt of the storm, sustained damage to its outdoor facilities. Debris from surrounding areas accumulated on the school grounds, necessitating a thorough cleanup and assessment before reopening. The school district announced today that Liberty Pines Academy will remain closed today, March 8th, for safety inspections and cleanup efforts. Parents are advised to check the school district website for further updates regarding the reopening schedule.

<h3>Community Response and Recovery</h3>

The community has rallied together in the aftermath of the tornado. Local volunteers are assisting with cleanup efforts, while emergency services continue to assess the damage and provide support to affected residents. Several organizations are already collecting donations to aid those whose homes were damaged. You can find a list of organizations accepting donations .

This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness in severe weather situations. Residents are encouraged to review their emergency plans and familiarize themselves with local weather alerts and warnings. The NWS provides valuable resources on tornado safety, which can be found .

<h3>Looking Ahead</h3>

The cleanup and recovery process will likely take several days or even weeks. The focus now shifts to rebuilding and supporting the impacted community. As more information becomes available from the NWS damage assessment, we will provide further updates. We remain hopeful that the community will recover quickly and strongly from this harrowing experience. The resilience of the Durbin Crossing and Liberty Pines Academy communities is truly inspiring.