By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
A quite Sunday afternoon quickly turned into a nightmare for four families in the Dixie Community as an F2 tornado passed through the area.
Although no other area in Escambia County reported major damage, the severity of the storm in the Dixie community was evident by the light of day Monday as residents and emergency officials assessed the damage.
According to the National Weather Service in Mobile, the F2 tornado that struck the Dixie community Sunday afternoon was just one of several across the area.
Other damage in the area included tornado activity in the Molino, Fla., area as well as an area just west of Andalusia. The NWS has determined that an F1 tornado hit Molino and another F1 damaged areas along Highway 42 in Covington County.
The NWS said the tornadoes were spawned from the same thunderstorm, but the damage was not caused by one single tracked tornado.
The East Escambia chapter of the American Red Cross is working to assess the needs of four families in the Dixie community affected by Sunday's storm.
Buddy Bradley's home was destroyed in the storm, and Martin said Red Cross met the most pressing needs of his family Sunday evening, including setting up a shelter at Dixie Community Church.
Hot soup and sandwiches were provided to victims of the storm, Martin said. Other items were also provided through assistance from church members as well.
Red Cross volunteers and case workers have been in the community for three days assessing needs, Martin said.
Along with the total loss of Bradley's home, others in the community were also devastated by the storm, Martin said.
One other family completely lost their home in the storm, Martin said.
Bradley's family is being housed in borrowed accommodations, Martin said, but more long-term housing has been secured.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to assist the victims of Sunday's tornado may contact Martin at the Red Cross offices on Douglas Avenue or by calling 867-3426.