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‘Lion,’ ‘freight train’: Residents describe ‘roar’ of Pembroke Pines tornado

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Residents of the Pasadena Lakes neighborhood of Pembroke Pines spent their Wednesday morning cleaning up damage from one of several tornadoes that hit Broward County Tuesday night, spawned by the outer rain bands of Hurricane Ian.

In interviews with Local 10 News, they recounted the unmistakable sound of the twister that moved through their area.

“Imagine yourself in front of a lion, let’s say,” Fausto Rodriguez said. “And it’s just, ‘roar!’ You’re like, what’s going on?”

Rob Harvey was in his home on Northwest 87th Avenue when he suddenly sought safety inside an interior bathroom.

“I was on my bed looking at my computer, when my phone went off saying there was a tornado alert. I barely got to my front door, and all of sudden all hell broke loose,” Harvey said. “When they say something about the freight train, oh, take it to the bank.”

The tornado uprooted trees, damaged roofs and cars and bent street signs.

Rodriguez’s home was mostly spared, but a tree toppled onto his truck. But he says he feels fortunate that all of the damaged items can be replaced.

“I’m prepared for this, I mean, you bring it, I’ll fix it. It is what is,” he said. “But yes, in the morning, you’re like, oh my God.”

There were no reports of any injuries.


About the Authors
Trent Kelly headshot

Trent Kelly is an award-winning multimedia journalist who joined the Local 10 News team in June 2018. Trent is no stranger to Florida. Born in Tampa, he attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he graduated with honors from the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

Chris Gothner headshot

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

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