DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Strong winds from a possible waterspout caused damage in Daytona Beach, ripping siding off the sides of apartment buildings, throwing outdoor furniture and tossing a canoe several feet.
Volusia County Sheriff's deputies said they received several calls early Thursday about damage to the Manatee Bay Apartments on South Beach Street and the Tropical Manor Motel on South Atlantic Avenue.
Local 6 meteorologists think the damage may have been caused by a waterspout.
Neighbors in the Manatee Bay Apartments reported hearing loud howling winds, heavy rain and what may have been hail around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
"I thought it was a plane or a big truck coming through," said Cedric Beasley.
Nyte Otto, who also lives in the complex, went outside and said he saw a funnel cloud form over the Intracoastal behind the complex and barrel toward the building. It caused damage to both the front and back of the building.
The damage was the worst at Tom Maher's apartment. He, his wife and baby were inside when the wind screeched and woke them. Wind peeled a large chunk of siding off the front of the apartment, leaving the insulation and inside portions of the wall exposed. There was no damage to the inside of his apartment and everyone inside was safe.
"I feel lucky, definitely," Maher said. The complex manager told Local 6 the cost to repair the damage will be covered by the property.
Deputies said the callers reported wind and roof damage and damage to a car at the Tropical Manor motel.
No injuries were reported.