The Birmingham Area Chapter of American Red Cross have recruited four volunteers to travel to the affected areas of Florida and provide mass care. The Chapter is ready to deploy theses volunteers for this three week commitment if the Southeast Service Area calls us to respond.

Deadly storms swept across central Florida early this morning killing 14 people (reported by CNN), damaging homes and toppling trees. Counties affected by the storms and tornadoes include Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Marion and Orange. FEMA reports that an early assessment indicates Lake County was the hardest hit, with at least 60 to 100 homes damaged and two fatalities. In Marion and Sumter Counties, 500 homes have been damaged. In Volusia County, New Smyrna Beach subdivisions reported extensive damage and the area around Turnbull Bay and the New Smyrna Beach Airport was heavily damaged. There are reports of damage in the areas of Hawthorne Hills, Lake Beresford and Hontoon Island. Also, a multi-vehicular accident with four tractor trailers closed I-4. Energy companies are reporting approximately 45,000 customers are without power.