US: Authorities responding to tornado damage in parts of the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Alabama as of Jan. 9

Response operations are ongoing in parts of the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Alabama as of Jan. 9 after several rounds of severe storms with embedded tornadoes moved across the region earlier the same day. Storm damage, likely caused by tornadoes, has occurred across parts of the Florida Panhandle and southeastern Alabama, with the worst affected being Panama City Beach and Marianna in Florida and Cottonwood in Alabama.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee confirmed that a tornado crossed Interstate 10 on the southeast side of Marianna early Jan. 9. At least two people sustained critical injuries while five others sustained minor injuries. Jackson County reported substantial damage to the Spring Chase neighborhood off Blue Springs Highway and the Florida Caverns RV Resort at Merritt’s Mill Pond on US Highway 90 in Marianna. Much of Marianna also sustained damage. Highway 90 from Highway 71 South to Panhandle Road is closed and will likely stay closed until Jan. 10. Many other local roads are closed, and power lines are down. Jackson County School District has canceled school Jan. 10.

Another tornado passed through Lower Grand Lagoon just south of Panama City Beach. Reports indicate substantial damage to multiple structures in Panama City Beach. Bay County has instituted a curfew for the area south of Grand Lagoon Bridge and east of Hurt Street to St. Andrews State Park 21:00-06:00.

A tornado severely damaged parts of Cottonwood, Alabama, early Jan. 9, destroying the Cottonwood town hall, city water department, and multiple downtown buildings. One person died after the storm picked up her mobile home, rolling it several times. A dusk-to-dawn curfew is in effect for Cottonwood until further notice.

Response operations are ongoing; disruptions to ground travel and business operations will likely persist for several days in the affected areas.