Pasco County assesses damage, power outages from morning tornado strike

PORT RICHEY — More than 50 homes in Pasco County were damaged early Thursday morning when a tornado swept in from the Gulf of Mexico and struck just east of U.S. 19.

Tornado warnings were issued in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties early Thursday after radar showed storm cells with rotating winds. The tornado was rated as "EF-0," authorities said, which means speeds were 65 to 85 mph. Damage reports first reached Pasco County authorities at 6:19 a.m.

Pasco officials said some roads were blocked and power lines were knocked down.

The tornado left a "trail of debris from homes and businesses along a narrow path," Pasco County spokesman Doug Tobin said.

As of 4:30 p.m., he said the county had reports of 52 homes and businesses with minor damage, five with major damage, one tree on a car, a garage door damaged, and car ports torn apart.

An aluminum roof was ripped off a home in New Port Richey, the county said, and a large tree fell on a house.

No residents had been injured or displaced, Tobin said.

Pasco residents in affected areas were asked to put debris along the curb for one-time pickup on Monday. Wood and metal debris should be separated. Homeowners and business owners with questions can call the county with questions at (727) 847-2411.

In Clearwater, officials said three townhouses on Brigadoon Drive were damaged by the storm, including from fallen trees. No one was injured, but the Red Cross went to help displaced residents.

Duke Energy reported power outages affecting as many as 5,400 customers, stretching from Bayonet Point through Pasco to Tarpon Springs and from Clearwater Beach east to Safety Harbor in Pinellas.