Liberty Pines Academy And Durbin Crossing Residents Report Near Tornado Hit

David

3 min read

Post on May 31, 2025

4.4

Share

Liberty Pines Academy and Durbin Crossing Residents Report Near Tornado Hit

St. Johns County, FL – October 26, 2023 – Residents of Durbin Crossing and students and staff at Liberty Pines Academy in St. Johns County, Florida, experienced a terrifying close call yesterday afternoon as a suspected tornado touched down near their communities. While no direct hit has been confirmed, the intense weather event caused significant damage and widespread fear. Emergency responders are currently assessing the full extent of the impact.

The dramatic weather event unfolded rapidly, leaving many residents with little time to react. Eyewitnesses described seeing a dark, swirling funnel cloud descending from the ominous storm clouds that had gathered over the area. The National Weather Service (NWS) has yet to officially confirm whether the event was indeed a tornado, but preliminary reports suggest strong rotational winds consistent with a tornado were present.

<h3>Liberty Pines Academy Lockdown and Evacuation</h3>

Liberty Pines Academy, a K-8 school located near the epicenter of the reported tornado, immediately initiated a lockdown procedure as the storm intensified. Students and teachers sheltered in place until the immediate danger had passed. Following the storm, a careful and orderly evacuation was conducted, ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Thankfully, no injuries were reported at the school.

"It was a very scary moment," said one parent whose child attends Liberty Pines Academy. "The school handled the situation incredibly well, keeping us informed every step of the way. We're so grateful everyone is safe." The school's swift response and preparedness have been widely praised by parents and the community.

<h3>Durbin Crossing Damage Assessment</h3>

In the surrounding Durbin Crossing community, the storm's impact was evident. Reports flooded social media depicting downed trees, damaged power lines, and significant property damage. Numerous homes sustained roof damage, broken windows, and other structural damage. Clean-up efforts are underway, with residents working together to clear debris and assess the extent of the damage to their properties.

Several residents described the experience as "surreal," noting the suddenness and intensity of the wind. "I've never seen anything like it," said one Durbin Crossing resident. "It all happened so fast. We're lucky no one was seriously hurt."

<h3>National Weather Service Investigation</h3>

The National Weather Service is currently investigating the incident to determine the precise nature of the weather event and the extent of the damage. Teams are surveying the affected areas to gather data and assess the strength of the winds. Their findings will help determine whether the event was officially classified as a tornado and inform future weather preparedness strategies.

<h3>Community Support and Recovery</h3>

In the aftermath of the storm, the community has shown remarkable resilience and support. Neighbors are helping neighbors, sharing resources and offering assistance where needed. Local businesses have also stepped up, providing supplies and support to those affected.

Important Information:

• Stay updated: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the storm damage and recovery efforts.
• Safety first: If you are in a storm-affected area, prioritize your safety. Follow all instructions from emergency responders.
• Community support: If you are able, offer assistance to your neighbors and community members.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of weather preparedness. Ensure your family has a comprehensive emergency plan and stay informed about severe weather alerts in your area. For more information on severe weather safety, visit the . We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.