The National Weather Service extended a tornado watch for Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties until 6 a.m. Wednesday as tornado warnings followed radar-indicated possible tornado activity across South Florida.
Reports of damage followed a severe thunderstorm with possible tornadoes that traveled from near the Miccosukee Resort through central Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
In Plantation, police at a command post in the area said a trailer park at Broward Boulevard and Commodore Drive was hit hard by the storm.
"There are police everywhere and firemen knocking on people's doors," said Munica Herron, who lives across the street from the trailer park. "There are trailers that are caved in and blown out windows."
Herron said the possible tornado struck the neighborhood about 10 p.m., leaving a security gate wrapped around a pole.
"I had no idea until the lights flickered and there was a really loud noise like heavy wind," she said. "Then about a half an hour later I saw police lights from my upstairs window....there are people crying because their houses are collapsed."
Fire department officials said a number of homes were damaged or destroyed in Sunrise and Plantation in the areas of 13396 Northwest 8th Street and 8th Court, and 10th, 11th, and 12th Streets.
National Weather Service offials will survey the area Wednesday to determine whether or not a tornado may have touched down -- but say South Florida residents should pay close attention to weather warnings.
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"When there is a watch, people need to be alert and aware that there is possibility for tornadoes to develop," said Bob Ebaugh, a weather service specialist. "You have to remain alert and keep an eye to the sky."
The rain will also continue until the end of the week, said NWS meteorologist Evelyn Rivera.
"For tomorrow, we still expect some lingering showers with cloudiness," Rivera said "It's not going to be as heavy as the ones tonight."
Check out the Interactive Radar and the latest weather forecast.
