St. Johns County Sheriff Addresses Possible Tornado Seen On Traffic Camera

David

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Post on Jun 01, 2025

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St. Johns County Sheriff Addresses Possible Tornado Seen on Traffic Camera: Community on High Alert

St. Johns County, FL – A flurry of concerned calls flooded the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO) yesterday afternoon after a possible tornado was captured on a traffic camera. The swirling vortex, visible in footage obtained from a county-operated camera near [Location – insert specific location near where camera is situated if possible. Otherwise, omit this part.], sent shockwaves through the community, prompting immediate investigation and a statement from Sheriff Robert Hardwick.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows a dark, rotating funnel cloud descending from the ominous storm clouds that swept across the county. While the footage is compelling, the SJCSO is urging caution against jumping to conclusions. "We received numerous calls regarding a possible tornado," Sheriff Hardwick stated in a press release. "While the traffic camera footage certainly appears to show a funnel cloud, we are still working to verify if it actually touched down."

<h3>Verification Process Underway</h3>

The National Weather Service (NWS) Jacksonville is currently investigating the incident. They are analyzing radar data, reviewing eyewitness accounts, and examining the traffic camera footage in detail to determine if a tornado actually formed and the extent of any potential damage. This process often takes time as meteorologists meticulously analyze all available information.

Sheriff Hardwick emphasized the importance of preparedness during severe weather events: "Regardless of confirmation, this serves as a crucial reminder to stay informed about weather alerts and have a safety plan in place. Knowing what to do during a tornado is paramount to protecting yourself and your family."

<h3>Safety Tips from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office</h3>

In light of the incident, the SJCSO has reiterated several key safety tips for residents:

• Stay informed: Monitor weather reports from reliable sources like the National Weather Service (NWS) and local news outlets. Sign up for weather alerts on your mobile device.
• Develop a safety plan: Designate a safe room in your home, ideally a basement or interior room on the lowest floor. Know your evacuation routes.
• Have a go-bag: Prepare a kit with essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and batteries.
• Recognize the signs: Learn to recognize the signs of a tornado, including a dark, greenish sky, large hail, a loud roar, and a rotating funnel cloud.
• Seek shelter immediately: If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter immediately in your designated safe room.

<h3>Community Response and Ongoing Investigation</h3>

The incident has sparked a lively discussion within the St. Johns County community, with many residents sharing their experiences and expressing concerns on social media. While some reported seeing the funnel cloud, others indicated they experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall. The SJCSO is encouraging residents to report any damage or unusual weather occurrences to assist in the ongoing investigation.

The NWS Jacksonville is expected to release a full report on their findings within [ timeframe, if available. Otherwise, remove this section]. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office remains committed to keeping the community informed and ensuring public safety.

Keywords: St. Johns County, Sheriff Hardwick, Tornado, Traffic Camera, National Weather Service, NWS Jacksonville, Severe Weather, Safety Tips, Florida, Weather Alert, Funnel Cloud, Storm

Related Articles (Internal Links if applicable – create dummy links if needed):

• [Link to a previous article about weather safety in St. Johns County] St. Johns County Prepares for Hurricane Season
• [Link to a page on the SJCSO website about emergency preparedness] SJCSO Emergency Preparedness Guide

Call to Action (Subtle): Stay safe and informed! Follow the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on social media for the latest updates. [Link to SJCSO social media pages]