LAKELAND, FL – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a possible tornado touchdown in Lakeland in the area of Daughtery Road at approximately 5:30 pm Wednesday night. Sheriff Grady Judd said deputies responded to the area within minutes and saw significant damage on several side streets.
“There are at least two houses that appear to be uninhabitable at this point,” he said. “There is significant damage to trees and other homes in the area.”
Deputies went door to door to make sure all residents were safe and accounted for. As of now, there are no reports of injury to residents. County emergency response teams are now working the scene. Sheriff Judd said deputies will remain in the neighborhood and warned residents from outside the community to not come to the neighborhood.
“If we find you prowling around on private property, you will go to jail, directly to jail and that will be our Christmas present to you,” Judd said. “Stay out of the area if you don’t live here.”
Tornado hop scotched all the way to Polk County. Video from North Lakeland. Daugherty Road was hit hard. 📷 Charles Bleam pic.twitter.com/yrTe3l9ozm
— Paul Dellegatto⚡️FOX (@PaulFox13) December 17, 2020