Cape Coral tornado: 6 things to know
An EF2 tornado with wind speeds of up to 135 mph tore through Southwest Cape Coral Saturday evening. Here's what you need to know following an 8 a.m. press briefing by the Cape Coral Police Department:
1. No fatalities or injuries
As of 8:35 a.m. no fatalities or injuries have been reported. Cape Coral Police Department Spokesman Dana Coston said three minor injuries were reported due to cuts from broken glass. However, due to the late hour of the tornado's touchdown, a damage assessment and determination of exactly how many people were affected is yet to be completed.
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2. 2,000 without power
The Lee County Electric Cooperative reports about 2,000 residents are without power early this morning and it could take until Monday until every home has its power restored.
3. Beach Parkway West closed off to nonresidents
Nonresidents are prohibited from accessing Beach Parkway West between Chiquita Boulevard and Sands Boulevard. Residents must show identification in order to return to their homes in that area.
4. Beware scammers and unlicensed contractors
One of the reasons for the street closure on Beach Parkway West is due to the fear of scammers and unlicensed contractors. Coston, whose own home was hit by the tornado, said residents should use myflorida.gov and the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association website (www.cccia.org) to check the licenses of any person approaching them about doing repairs or any kind of work at their homes.
"The last thing we want is for someone to be victimized twice," Coston said.
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5. Red Cross on hand for assistance
A shelter at Oasis Middle School (3507 Oasis Boulevard) was opened by the Red Cross last night to assist those who could not return to their homes due to the scores of downed power lines. That shelter has since closed but the Red Cross remains available to assist residents. Affected residents in need of temporary housing or other assistance should call 239-278-3401 for assistance.
6. About 200 emergency responders, contractors and LCEC crewmen were on hand last night
Coston said 100 Cape Coral Fire Department personnel and 60 Cape Coral Police officers were joined by additional personnel from local fire departments, the Lee County Sheriff's Office and LCEC responding to the call late last night.
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