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Sep 10, 2008 1:00 pm US/Eastern
Tornado Spawned By Ike Tears Through Upper Keys
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Slideshow: Hurricane Ike's Damage Throughout Cuba
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
A tornado reportedly touched down in an Islamorada neighborhood at Mile Marker 74 just before 4 a.m. on Wednesday, damaging homes, cars, boats and trees on several streets.
CBS4 Reporter Sharrie Williams, in Lower Matecumbe Key, spoke to resident Cassandra Figaro, who said it's the worst she ever saw. She added, "It was thunder and lightning, and then I saw two explosions on the power lines."
Gary Nichols Sr. said it blew out his windows. "I'm still shook up. I'll never forget . I was scared to death." He added, "It's the closest I've come to meeting my maker, but if my maker doesn't mind, I'd like to stick around. I have some work to do."
National Weather Service meteorologist Jon Rizzo added he believed the weather system created a weak tornado.
Officials say gusting winds are expected to continue throughout the day. They warn residents that driving will be difficult in these conditions.
Monroe County government offices will reopen on Thursday. Late Tuesday, its facilities still were occupied by emergency management personnel, and its staff was actively engaged in recovery efforts, including damage assessment and evacuee return.
Key West City Hall will reopen today and be fully operational on Thursday.
Monroe County schools will resume classes at their regularly scheduled time on Thursday.
All three campuses of the Florida Keys Community College will resume classes and normal business hours on Thursday.
At 8:00 a.m., Hurricane Ike was affecting western Cuba with tropical storm force winds and heavy rains. It was moving toward the northwest near 8 mph.
Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph with higher gusts. Ike is a category one hurricane. Some strengthening is forecast and Ike could become a major hurricane in the central Gulf of Mexico.
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