OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla., May 11, 2024—Representatives from the National Weather Service in Mobile began surveying storm damage yesterday in the entire region and will make the final determinations if a tornado is confirmed.

Severe weather began affecting Okaloosa County at about 3:30 a.m. when the first severe thunderstorm warning was issued.

A complex meso convective system was heading toward Okaloosa County from Santa Rosa County packing 70 mph straight-line winds and frequent lightning.

Okaloosa Emergency Management tracked radar-indicated rotation as it moved southeast into Okaloosa County through Baker, crossing State Road 189 near Dairy Road and Holloway Road, continuing southeast across State Road 85 into Crestview and ultimately exiting into Walton County.

Other smaller rotation couplets were noted in Holt near Griffith Mill Rd and in the Gulf of Mexico.

These events, combined with obvious straight-line winds, resulted in many reports of damage to homes and other structures by falling limbs, falling trees, lofted debris and sheer force of the wind.

Citizens are encouraged to report damage at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8ce4fbeca4a34dc58a12d40bdd4866f1 

Damage reported at this site could lead to possible state assistance.

Aerial footage of some damaged trees in Baker, Florida at can be viewed at https://youtu.be/OaP6y2u24qU

Nick Tomecek, Okaloosa County public information officer