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Writing Resumes and Cover Letters

Index for this page  .

VMock Instructions & Resume Writing Tips

Sample Resumes

Alternative Resumes

Cover letter writing tips, sample cover letter.

The VMock platform will analyze your resume from EVERY possible angle and help you arrive at a perfect version of yourself!

VMock, is a 24-7 online resume-review tool, that leverages data-science, machine learning, and natural language processing to provide instant personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices. VMock is designed to work with resumes from many different fields across various industries.

How VMock Works? Sign up on VMock using your UNA Portal username and password, upload ( PDF only ) or create a resume, and VMock will:

• Provide you with  resume guidelines  based on your school template to ensure that you do not miss the fine details and establish a great first impression
• Assess  how well you have marketed  your core competencies, showcase the right skill being reflected in academics, experience, achievements etc.
• Give you  line-by-line suggestions  to improve your resume content in view of your course and level of experience
• Give you an  aggregate resume score (strive for 70% which may require multiple re-scores)  to assess the strength of your resume benchmarked against your own peers

Once you receive the detailed feedback, use the in-built SMART Editor to convert your resume into a university complaint template and continue improving your bullets. 

You can also send a feedback request to your counselor via the Network Feedback module from within the platform.

Please visit the following links for assistance navigating VMock: VMock Introductory Video , VMock Product Video , and Customized Student Guide . 

Contact [email protected] or [email protected] in case of questions.

• There is not an absolute right or wrong way to write a résumé; however, there are ways that look more aesthetically pleasing than others.
• We work with employers on a daily basis to ensure that we are giving you the best advice when it comes to writing a résumé.
• Please remember that templates are not your friend . A lot of online employment systems are unable to read templates due to the use of text boxes. Use a blank document , such as Word, to create your résumé.
• 10 tips to writing a resume (External Link).
• Make sure your résumé says the most about you in the fewest number of words. If your résumé is two pages long, add “name” and “page 2” at the top of the second page.  
• Make your résumé look professional. When submitting/presenting a hard copy, use white or off -white, 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper.  
• Choose a conservative, easy to read font that is between 11 and 12 pt.  
• Be consistent with your format. Margins, bolding, capitalization, spacing, and style must be consistent.  
• Both the résumé and cover letter should be examples of your best work. Maintain a positive tone by excluding negative aspects of your experience.  
• Omit all personal pronouns (I, we, they, you, etc.). Begin sentences with an action verb in list form (no paragraphs).  
• Do not include salary requirements, supervisor’s names, reasons for leaving jobs, personal opinions and personal information such as height, weight, age, marital status, etc.   
• In general, don’t list any high school information. (Exceptions:  freshmen and sophomores applying for part-time jobs, Education majors applying to a hometown school district)  
• Proofread for typing, spelling and grammar accuracy.  
• Phone number 
• Email address - be sure your email address is professional (not  [email protected] )  
• Education  –   In addition to the name of your school, list your degree , major,  and graduation date.  Including your GPA is optional but should not be included if it is below a 3.0.  
• Experience (Work and/or Activities s) – Positions should be listed in reverse chronological order.  Be specific with dates, job titles, employers, and accomplishments.  Be descriptive without being too long.  Always be completely accurate and truthful.  Be consistent in your format.    
• Honors, Awards, or Honor Societies 
• Leadership Experience 
• Computer Skills, Relevant Skills, Technical Expertise  
• Language Skills (Foreign or Computer) 
• Publications or Presentations 
• Professional Affiliations 
• Military Experience 
• Relevant Coursework  
• Objective  
• Personal statistics  (height, weight, marital status, health information, social security number, or other personal information unless the job specifically asks for it. Example: Law Enforcement may have to provide health related information.)  
• Photos of any type  
• References  (or “References Available Upon Request”)—Include a separate page for references.   
• Political or religious information  (unless it is relevant to the job)  
• Anything related to high school  (exceptions: freshmen, sophomores and Education majors)  
• GPA, if below a 3.0  (unless specifically requested by an employer)  

Each job duty on a résumé needs to begin with an action verb. Use past tense action verbs for previous jobs and present tense action verbs for current positions.     

• Your references should not be included on your résumé. List them on a separate page with the same heading as your résumé. Do not write “References Available Upon Request” on your résumé.  It is assumed that you are able to provide references.  
• Contact each person you intend to list as a reference and ask their permission. Ensure they are willing to provide a strong, positive recommendation. It is important that your references know you well and can speak to your character. It is also considerate to provide each reference with a copy of your updated résumé.  
• Include the following for each reference: name, title, place of employment, business address (city, state, zip code), business telephone number, and email address.  
• List 3-5 references. References can be an Academic Reference (professor, advisor, etc.) or a Professional Reference (employer, supervisor, etc.). Avoid “Personal References” unless they are specifically requested.  

.  Sample Résumés

The sample résumés listed below are to be used as a guide when creating your résumé. If we do not have a specific sample for your major, you may use any of the samples listed below.  

Please contact us at [email protected]  if you need a resume sample in accessible format.

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Creative Resumes —No matter how clever the design, a résumé will still need to convey to the employer your potential to bring value to the organization. If you put all your effort into the style of your résumé, you may neglect to develop the substance. Focus first on the content of your résumé. Think of creative projects you have done as a volunteer, organization member, employee, or intern that demonstrates your talents. Employers recommend promoting creativity through a portfolio. Research the organization to which you’re applying and try to determine if a more cutting-edge résumé design is your best bet. If the organization receives hundreds of résumés for each position, you might go with a design that will positively stand out from the rest. If using a more creative style, be mindful of the fact that some Applicant Tracking systems may not be able to read the graphics, textboxes, etc.    

Resumes for Government Jobs — Résumés for federal jobs include more details than those written for jobs in private industries. You can begin building a résumé for federal employment in the same way you build any résumé--by listing jobs, skills, accomplishments, projects, leadership positions, and activities. After generating this list, visit  www.federaljobresume.com  or  www.usajobs.gov  to learn how to put your information into the required format.   

International Resumes —If you are interested in working in another country, be sure to research guidelines for writing an appropriate résumé for your desired location. A resource that may help you is  www.transitionsabroad.com .  

The Military-to-Civilian Résumé  —Military experience provides opportunities to develop a range of skills, many of which transfer to civilian jobs. When you review potential job descriptions, you may quickly identify specific responsibilities in the military that allowed you to learn or strengthen those skills and abilities. Once you begin targeting jobs, you’ll want to write a résumé that includes your military experience described in terms readily understood by someone without a military background. Avoid using military jargon, abbreviations, and acronyms. Focus on the skills you developed in leadership, communication, teamwork, management, supervision, training, translating, coordinating, planning, monitoring, and organizing. A resource to help you translate your military experience and job titles into terms familiar to civilian employers is the Veterans’ Employment & Training Service Transition Assistance Program:  www.dol.gov/vets/programs .   

Once you’ve identified positions to apply for, it’s time to prepare your application materials.  You should include a cover letter each time you submit your résumé for a position. The cover letter is your opportunity to highlight your skills and qualifications and to explain why those experiences make you a good candidate for the job. Do not just reiterate your résumé. Instead, focus on several key areas and go into detail including what you did and what you learned.  

• Always  tailor  your cover letter to the specific organization and job for which you are applying.  Research the organization and include sentences that correspond to the job duties or qualifications from the job description.  Employers will know if your cover letter is generic and mass produced.   
• When submitting a résumé by email, consider the body of your email as the cover letter. Include your contact information in your email signature.  
• When submitting your application by web upload or mail, the cover letter should be typed in the same font as your résumé in business letter format. The heading of your cover letter should match the heading of your résumé. The letter should be 3 or 4 paragraphs and should not exceed one page in length.  

Remember, the cover letter is a sample of your writing ability. Employers will assume that the quality of your letter is indicative of the quality of your work. Proofread and spell check carefully!  

Salutation  – Never address your letter "To Whom it May Concern.” If you don't know whom to send the letter to, call and request the name of the person who is responsible for hiring entry-level professionals in your area. You can also check the company’s website directory to find names of people to contact.  Be certain to get the name and title (and correct spelling). Whenever possible, avoid sending your letter to the personnel department as it generally does not have the power to hire - only the power to screen you out.  

Section I  – Your opening sentence should state the purpose of your letter (your objective). Mention a name if you have permission (e.g., John Smith recommended I contact you.). You should also mention how you heard about the job and why it interests you. Try to make the first paragraph interesting to get the reader’s attention.  

Section II  – Address the particular strengths you have which qualify you for the job, but do not repeat information word-for-word from your résumé. Highlight coursework, skills, or experiences that will be of greatest interest to the organization. Reference actual job duties from the job description. This section can be more than one paragraph and should answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” Match your skills and experience to the job description.  

Section III  – Thank the reader for their consideration. Indicate your desire for a personal interview and state how the employer should contact you (phone, email). Offer any assistance to help in a speedy response.    

Please contact us at [email protected]  if you need a Cover Letter sample in accessible format.

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You introduce yourself to potential employers or graduate school programs through your resume.  It showcases your accomplishments and skills, while also demonstrating why you are a good fit for the advertised position or program. Unlike a job application, a resume should only advertise the relevant information for interview consideration. Since many organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to review resumes, you will want to make sure you have an ATS-friendly resume to use when submitting online through an application portal. You may still choose to have a more creative-styled resume to use in person at networking events, career fairs, conferences, or interviews.

Resume Quick Tips

• Make it easy to read: Use a plain font in 10- to 12-point type.
• Focus on information that is relevant to the employer, position, or graduate school program.
• Keep your resume short: In general, a new grad’s resume should be one side of a single page, but can run longer if your experiences and skills are relevant to the job.
• Include keywords taken directly from the job or program description.
• Quantify your outcome statements whenever possible.

Need help with your resume? Schedule a Resume Development appointment with a career advisor in Navigate South . For more information or assistance scheduling outside of Navigate South please contact us.

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How to upload my resume in Handshake?

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Resume & Job Packet Information

Are you job interview ready.

Prepare your internship or job interview packet with the sample resources provided below. UWA students or UWA alumni: If you have questions or would like to have your interview packet reviewed, email Career Services .

Click on the files below to view/download.

• Resume Sample
• ATS (Automatic Tracking System) Resume Do-Don’t Sample View
• Cover Letter Tips
• Cover Letter Sample
• Reference List
• Contact Card
• Professional Attire
• What Not To Wear
• Interview Tips
• Virtual Interview Tips
• Sample Email Message
• LinkedIn Profile Checklist
• LinkedIn Tip Sheet Building a Profile
• Statement of Purpose Graduate Application Tips
• 10 Tips to Succeed at your next Interview
• Micro-Internships-Parker Dewey
• Micro-Internships vs Internships

Interview Support Videos:

What not to wear at a job interview

ATS: Applicant Tracking System Friendly Resume Tips

Additional Resources:

5 Benefits of Attending College Career Fairs

How to Make the Most of Your Career Fair

The Intern Hustle

What NOT to Wear to a Job Interview

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Add Your Heading Text Here

Study this sample resume and explore the dropdowns below to learn how to craft a quality resume.

Access the full PDF guide to view all sample resumes and detailed advice.

Watch our video on resume-building .  In a hurry? Read our Quick Tips .

Keep it simple. Name should be 14-18pt font. Contact information should be 11-12pt font. Add links such as Github, LinkedIn, or other professional portfolio sites. Make sure that this section is located at the top of the page. Do not put it in the header section of Word/Google Docs (that is, in the top margin) to ensure readability and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliance.

Summary (also called the Profile) is optional. If you choose to include this, make sure that it is highly tailored to the field you are pursuing. Express your goals and value beyond “looking for a summer internship”.

The Summary should be located between your Name & Contact and your Education sections.

Arrange your Degree and University along the left margin and your expected Graduation Date and GPA (if it is above a 3.5) along the right margin. Consider putting your Degree in bold to better highlight your skills and knowledge.

Align on the left margin and make a list or use bullet point formatting to ensure Applicant Tracking System compliance. Only list coursework that clearly demonstrates your value.

Be sure to spell out the title of the class; most people outside of UTD will not recognize the course abbreviation/numbers.

Classify your skills if you have many. Otherwise, start at the left margin and make a list. As long as you can honestly speak to your ability, you can add it to your Skills section. Don’t sell yourself short!

Soft skills (for instance, communication, active listening, customer service) do not go in the Skills section. Rather, work these into your bullet points.

Experiences can be Professional or Academic. In both cases, be sure to build out the sections like you would for a job—clearly demonstrate the skills you used and the results you gained. For Academic Experience, do not simply discuss the end results of the app you built or the topic you wrote a paper about. Keep in mind that you likely will not be hired to create that exact app again, but you will be called upon to use those hard and soft skills again. Sell your skills, not the particular project.

Start with a strong action verb. Try not to repeat the same verb.

Be specific—you want the potential employer to clearly picture your skillsets and work style.

Use a model like WHO ( What you did, How you did it, Outcome /Purpose) to ensure that you are covering all the important information. See our full guide for more examples of the WHO model and for other effective models. Add metrics—quantify where possible.

Add any experiences that you believe will help showcase you as a professional. Athletics or other non-industry organizations can be added; however, be sure to prioritize industry-related content on your resume. Do not add hobbies unless you are affiliated with an organization (for instance, a UTD Baking Club would be all right to list. However, you would not want to list simply “baking”.

Awards can go close to the end of your resume. You can also consider adding scholarships as part of your Education section.

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NCAA Softball Tournament bracket: Schedule, TV channels, streaming, scores for Road to WCWS

The 2024 NCAA Softball Tournament field has been set.

Although Oklahoma won the Big 12 Tournament championship and has won three consecutive national championships, it was rival Texas who earned the No. 1 overall spot on Sunday. Patty Gasso's OU team was right behind, at No. 2.

MORE: Watch select NCAA Softball Tournament games live ESPN+

The nod was the Longhorns' first ever, despite falling to Oklahoma in the conference championship game. Texas went 2-2 against the Sooners during the regular season. Meanwhile, Oklahoma and Texas' future conference, the SEC, placed all 13 of its teams in the postseason, with eight teams placed in the top 16 and three in the top eight.

Speaking of conference realignment, several teams from the soon-to-be-defunct Pac-12 will be on the Road to the Women's College World Series, including Arizona, Utah, Cal, Stanford, Washington, Oregon and UCLA. They account for 24 of 41 all time Division I NCAA softball championships, not including UCLA's vacated 1995 title. This will be the final tournament in which they recognize the Pac-12 before departing for the likes of the ACC, Big 12 and Big Ten.

Here's the full softball postseason bracket, including TV channels and times for each game:

Full 2024 NCAA Softball Tournament bracket

REQUIRED READING: OU softball earns No. 2 seed in NCAA Tournament, will host Cleveland State in regional

Austin Regional

• (1) Texas (47-7)
• Siena (33-20)
• Northwestern (33-11)
• Saint Francis (Pa.) (40-12)

Norman Regional

• (2) Oklahoma (49-6)
• Cleveland State (22-24)
• Oregon (28-19)
• Boston University (52-4-1)

Knoxville Regional

• (3) Tennessee (40-10)
• Dayton (33-19)
• Miami (Ohio) (48-7)
• Virginia (31-18)

Gainesville Regional

• (4) Florida (46-12)
• FGCU (37-19)
• FAU (41-14)
• South Alabama (32-18-1)

Stillwater Regional

• (5) Oklahoma State (44-10)
• Northern Colorado (27-24)
• Michigan (41-16)
• Kentucky (30-22)

L.A. Regional

• (6) UCLA (37-10)
• Grand Canyon (48-11)
• San Diego State (31-18)
• Virginia Tech (39-12-1)

Columbia Regional

• (7) Missouri (43-15)
• Omaha (41-13)
• Indiana (40-18)
• Washington (31-13)

Stanford Regional

• (8) Stanford (43-13)
• Saint Mary's (Calif.) (30-11)
• Cal State Fullerton (36-17)
• Mississippi State (33-18)

REQUIRED READING: NCAA Softball Tournament committee 'constantly' had Texas over OU as No. 1 seed

Baton Rouge Regional

• (9) LSU (40-15)
• Jackson State (33-17)
• Southern Illinois (42-9)
• Cal (36-17)

Durham Regional

• (10) Duke (47-6)
• Morgan State (35-18)
• Utah (34-20)
• South Carolina (34-22)

Athens Regional

• (11) Georgia (39-15)
• UNC-Wilmington (33-21)
• Liberty (36-23)
• Charlotte (38-16)

Fayetteville Regional

• (12) Arkansas (36-16)
• Southeastern Missouri State (28-24)
• Villanova (31-22)
• Arizona (34-16-1)

Lafayette Regional

• (13) Louisiana (42-17)
• Princeton (29-16)
• Ole Miss (31-25)
• Baylor (32-20)

Tuscaloosa Regional

• (14) Alabama (33-17)
• USC Upstate (30-21)
• Southeastern Louisiana (45-13)
• Clemson (34-17)

Tallahassee Regional

• (15) Florida State (43-13)
• Chattanooga (42-14)
• UCF (30-23)
• Auburn (27-19-1)

College Station Regional

• (16) Texas A&M (40-13)
• University of Albany (33-11)
• Penn State (34-18)
• Texas State (45-13)

REQUIRED READING: How to buy OU softball tickets for Norman Regional of 2024 NCAA Tournament

2024 NCAA Softball Tournament schedule, scores

All times Central. This section will be updated as the NCAA Softball Tournament proceeds.

* If necessary

Friday, May 17

• Game 1: (1) Texas vs. Siena | 3 p.m. Longhorn Network
• Game 2: Northwestern vs. Saint Francis (Pa.) | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 18

• Game 3: TBD vs. TBD | noon
• Game 4: TBD vs. TBD | 2:30 p.m.
• Game 5: TBD vs. TBD | 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 19

• Game 6: TBD vs. TBD
• Game 7*: TBD vs. TBD
• Game 1: Oregon vs. Boston University | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 2: (2) Oklahoma vs. Cleveland State | 7 p.m. | ESPNU ( Fubo )
• Game 3: TBD vs. TBD | 2 p.m.
• Game 4: TBD vs. TBD | 4:30 p.m.
• Game 5: TBD vs. TBD | 7 p.m.
• Game 1: Virginia vs. Miami (Ohio) | 11 a.m. | ESPN+
• Game 2: (3) Tennessee vs. Dayton | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 1: (4) Florida vs. Florida Gulf Coast | 11 a.m. | SEC Network ( Fubo )
• Game 2: South Alabama vs. Florida Atlantic | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 1: Kentucky vs. Michigan | 2 p.m. | ESPN2 ( Fubo )
• Game 2: (5) Oklahoma State vs. Northern Colorado | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Los Angeles Regional

• Game 1: Virginia Tech vs. San Diego State | 5 p.m. | ESPNU ( Fubo )
• Game 2: (6) UCLA vs. Grand Canyon | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 3: TBD vs. TBD | 4 p.m.
• Game 4: TBD vs. TBD | 6:30 p.m.
• Game 5: TBD vs. TBD | 9 p.m.
• Game 1: Washington vs. Indiana | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 2: (7) Missouri vs. Omaha | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 1: Mississippi State vs. Cal State Fullerton | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 2: (8) Stanford vs. Saint Mary's (Calif.) | 9 p.m. | ESPN2 ( Fubo )

REQUIRED READING: How OU softball's Alyssa Brito is encouraging girls to remain involved in sports

• Game 1: Cal vs. Southern Illinois | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 2: (9) LSU vs. Jackson State | 5 p.m. | SEC Network ( Fubo )
• Game 3: TBD vs. TBD | Noon
• Game 1: South Carolina vs. Utah | 11 a.m. | ESPNU ( Fubo )
• Game 2: (10) Duke vs. Morgan State | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 3: TBD vs. TBD | 10 a.m.
• Game 4: TBD vs. TBD | 12:30 p.m.
• Game 5: TBD vs. TBD | 3 p.m.
• Game 1: Charlotte vs. Liberty | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 2: (11) Georgia vs. UNC-Wilmington | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+
• Game 1:  Arizona vs. Villanova | 5 p.m. |  ESPN+
• Game 1:  (12) Arkansas vs. Southeastern Missouri State | 7:30 p.m. |  ESPN+
• Game 3:  TBD vs. TBD | 2 p.m.
• Game 4:  TBD vs. TBD | 4:30 p.m.
• Game 5:  TBD vs. TBD | 7 p.m.
• Game 6:  TBD vs. TBD
• Game 7*:  TBD vs. TBD
• Game 1:  (13) Louisiana vs. Princeton | 4:30 p.m. |  ESPN+
• Game 2:  Baylor vs. Ole Miss | 7 p.m. | ESPN2 ( Fubo )
• Game 1:  Clemson vs. Southeastern Louisiana | 1 p.m. | ACC Network ( Fubo )
• Game 2:  (14) Alabama vs. USC Upstate | 3:30 p.m. |  ESPN+
• Game 1:  Auburn vs. UCF | 1 p.m. | ESPNU ( Fubo )
• Game 2:  (15) Florida State vs. Chattanooga | 3:30 p.m. | ACC Network ( Fubo )
• Game 3:  TBD vs. TBD | noon
• Game 4:  TBD vs. TBD | 2:30 p.m.
• Game 5:  TBD vs. TBD | 5 p.m.
• Game 1:  Texas State vs. Penn State | 3 p.m. | ESPNU ( Fubo )
• Game 2:  (16) Texas A&M vs. Albany | 5:30 p.m. |  ESPN+

How to watch, stream 2024 NCAA Softball Tournament games

• TV channel: ABC | ESPN | ESPN2 | ESPNU | Conference networks
• Streaming: ESPN+ | Fubo (free trial)

Games that air on traditional cable TV will air on the ESPN family of networks, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU. That also includes conference-specific networks such as the ACC and SEC networks. Any game that broadcasts on one of those TV channels can also be streamed on Fubo , which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

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5 things to do this summer for a successful job search

1. Work on your resume 

A resume is the most common document requested when applying for a job. If you are networking or interested in an opportunity, having a well-crafted resume ready to go will benefit you. 

Build a resume showcasing your skills and experience. For each highlighted skill, back it up with specific details. Your resume is an opportunity to sell yourself to potential employers. Be sure to include accurate and detailed information to help you stand out, and tailor your resume for each job application. 

Career Services offers AI Resume Editor by Quinncia , a free online resume review tool to help students enhance their resumes. The tool uses AI technology to provide personalized feedback on your resume based on criteria gathered from employers and global best practices.  

2. Create a template cover letter 

A tailored cover letter can be the most vital piece of an application. The cover letter lets you elaborate on why you are applying to this specific role. A well-written cover letter will connect your reasons to your experiences and skills, showing why you are the ideal candidate for the position. 

While you won't be able to finalize a cover letter until you find a position you're interested in, you can develop a template cover letter as a starting point. You can build the template around the foundational skills you hope to use in a future role or the experiences you've gained that are relevant to positions you're interested in. 

3. Update your online profiles 

Online profiles are essential for finding a job or internship. In fact, Handshake is the place where many college students find jobs.  

Keep your online profiles, like Handshake and LinkedIn , up to date. You’ve likely expanded your skills and added experiences over the last year. Take time this summer to review your profiles and update them with any new information: 

Consider classes, part-time work, leadership roles and other experiences you could add to enhance your profile. 

Rewrite and update your summary section on LinkedIn with your goals, projects and interests.  

Update your profile image with a recent professional photo. Career Services offers a free self-service photo booth you can use if you need a new profile photo! 

4. Build an online portfolio 

For relevant majors and job positions, an online portfolio gives you a way to highlight your work and projects. Some positions may ask you to submit a portfolio with your application. Even when it’s not required, you may still want to provide the link to your portfolio in your resume or cover letter.  

Students can create a free online portfolio using BuffsCreate .  

5. Prepare for recommendation and reference requests 

Summer can be a great time to connect with mentors, discuss your professional goals and ask for recommendations or references. While past professors, supervisors and volunteer coordinators are excellent resources, anyone who can reflect on your skills and professional identity can make a good reference. 

Prepare for the job search 

Take time this summer to get a head start on your job or internship search. Career Services offers career counseling, on-demand tools and more to support students. 

Updates: Woman killed as Tallahassee faces what may be its worst tornado strike in history

A line of severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado roared through Tallahassee Friday morning leaving a large swath of damage – downed trees, tangled power lines and buildings with their roofs sheered off.

The violent storms crashed into the city amid the rush to get high school students to school. Schools across the city were subsequently closed and a woman was tragically killed when a tree crashed into her home.

Facing the kind of damage and numbers that accompany hurricanes, the City of Tallahassee expects it will take "some time" to get an estimated 70,000 people reconnected to the power grid.

SATURDAY'S STORM UPDATES: City expects to restore power to 75% of customers by 8 p.m.

Send photos of damage with captions and credit to [email protected] . Here are the Friday updates from around the city from our team of journalists.

The apocalypse smelled like pine: Residents of Indianhead and Myers Park stranded amid the debris

One resident described what she saw in the neighborhood as "apocalyptic."

Residents of two of Tallahassee’s most heavily forested neighborhoods, Myers Park and Indianhead Acres, found themselves virtually buried in fallen timber Friday as severe storms and reported  tornadoes ripped through the area.

Roads through both neighborhood littered with downed trees – many on top of homes – and gnarled power lines, leaving some people stranded. Good Samaritans with chainsaws and tractors cut narrow pathways through some of the streets to help extricate their neighbors.

“It came on so fast, and it ended so fast,” one resident said. “And it was so dark outside, just super ominous and really creepy. All you could smell was like dirt and pine. It was just absolutely stunningly strange.”

Read more here.

FAMU declares 'state of emergency'

Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson has declared "a state of emergency" as employees on the Tallahassee campus continue to assess and repair damage caused by what may be the worst tornado in Tallahassee history.

The university said at least 15 buildings, including the Grand Ballroom, the Banneker Buildings and the old Plant, Operations and Maintenance (POM) Building, suffered some form of roof and water damage. The flashing on Lee Hall was also damaged, according to Kendall Jones, associate vice president Facilities, Planning, Construction, and Safety.

While the campus cleanup is underway classes will be conducted remotely May 13-17. Monday marks the start of the summer semester at FAMU.

Following Friday’s closure, FAMU Developmental Research School (DRS) administrators will announce re-opening plans over the weekend. The Educational Research Center for Child Development’s (ERCCD) roof was damaged, and the facility will be closed at least Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for repairs.

“We appreciate all of the prayers and support from the community. Our employees are working strenuously to ensure we can restore normal operations as soon as possible,” Robinson said in a statement. “Although there has been substantial damage from the storm, we are thankful that there has been no loss of life or serious injuries reported.”

WeatherTiger: The 'most destructive tornado in Tallahassee's history may have occurred'

Ryan Truchelut, better known as the WeatherTiger hurricane forecaster to Tallahassee, said Friday's mornings storm was a rare thing indeed.

"Long-tracking tornadoes are very unusual in Leon County," he wrote on Facebook. "Notable recent events were a 2021 EF-1 that flipped planes at the the airport and then continued east to Southwood, and a 2019 EF-3 in rural eastern parts of the county. There is no history of anything other than brief, short-lived touchdowns in the urban core, college campuses, or densest residential areas of town."

He continued that "radar data, an 84 mph wind gust report from FAMU, and wide swaths of structural and severe tree damage suggest that most destructive tornado in Tallahassee's history may have occurred around 7 a.m. today."

The National Weather Service will make the final determination.

Looking for a late evening bite to eat? These Tallahassee restaurants and groceries are serving

As Tallahassee residents scramble for food as they await the power to come back on, foodies on a social Facebook food group, Tallahassee Foodies, gave each other live updates on what establishments had enough power to serve warm plates of food. 

Please note that some of these establishments may have longer wait times, may take cash-only or may have limited food options available. 

• Publix on Ocala Road 
• Walmart on Apalachee Parkway 
• The Blu Halo on Bannerman Road 
• Island Wing Company Grill & Bar on Market Street
• Chick-Fil-A on Capital Circle and Magnolia  Drive 
• Texas Roadhouse  on Capital Circle NE 
• Casa Grande Bar & Grill Mexican Restaurant on Apalachee Parkway
• Village Inn on Capital Circle 
• Waffle House on Apalachee Parkway 
• Las Braza’s Mexican Grill Capital Circle NE 
• El Jalisco on N Monroe
• Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux 
• Mr. Roboto Tokyo Grill on Mahan Drive 
• IHOP on North Monroe 
• Hooters on North Monroe 
• Momo’s Pizza on Market Street 
• Culver’s on North Monroe 
• Zaxby’s on North Monroe 
• Slim Chickens on North Monroe 
• Midtown Pies on Capital Circle NE
• Salty Dawg Pub & Deli on North Monroe 
• Five Guys on Thomasville Road 
• Village Pizza & Pasta on Village Square

Mayor Dailey asks residents for patience after one of the most powerful storm-strikes in ten years

In a video update, Mayor John Dailey asked residents for their patience as the city begins a massive restoration effort with plenty of backup pouring in from around the state and region.

"The storm that came through this morning was one of the most powerful storms we've seen in the past ten years," he said while sporting a TLH ballcap,. "We are confirming that we had three tornadoes that came through the area and we had wind gusts between 80 and 100 mph."

He said crews have worked all day to clear debris that will enable linemen to power up the 72,000 customers still in the dark as of 7 p.m.

"We've been working really hard to bring our community back and restore power," he said.

Crews from Ocala, Dothan, Riviera, Thomasville, Cairo and Havana are on the ground and mutual aid trucks from OUC, KUA and Lakeland are "rolling in any minute," according to the city. The mayor said the assistance will "double our workforce."

But he warned three different times, "it's gonna take time.

"I'm asking for your patience. We are gonna get through this together."

Shortly after Dailey delivered his message, the city noted that all 11 substations knocked out of power have been energized. That means crews can begin repairing circuits that bring customers back online.

FSU's MagLab damaged; operations suspended in an abundance of caution next week

Storms have damaged what many Tallahassee residents joke is the city's first line of defense  against severe weather.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory  sustained damage Friday after tornados and thunderstorms  crashed through the city that morning, cutting the power off to tens of thousands of residents and felling trees that smashed into cars and homes.

The Mag Lab has suspended user operations of high field magnets next week "as a precaution," Florida State University spokesperson Dennis Schnittker told the Democrat.

Read the full story here.

Road closures throughout city and county persist; still more than 100 roads blocked

Many roads were still closed due to fallen trees even hours after the storm. Here's the latest rundown of major roads still closed as of 5 p.m.

• Lipona and Belleview
• N. Monroe / Sessions
• Blair Stone / Old St. Augustine
• Kay Ave / S. Blair Stone – North bound
• N. Gadsden / E. Georgia St.
• Dewey / 4th Ave / Old Bainbridge
• Richview Park Circle
• Meridian / Glenview
• Roberts Ave / N. Paul Dirac Dr.
• Miccosukee / Cherry Access Rd.
• Cadiz St / Park Ave. E.
• Saxon / Nassau St.
• Old St. Augustine/Old Friends Drive
• Aenon Church Rd. / Aenon Church Trail
• Louvinia / Glendalin Rd.
• Blountstown Hwy / Jimmy Shiver Rd.
• Old St. Augustine / April

The city of Tallahassee reports that crews have cleared 83 blocked roads and are working to clear 125 roads that are still reportedly blocked.

Hearing and seeing the 'freight train' go through Indian Head

With twisted pines crisscrossing the roadways, sidewalks and laying across homes, the Indianhead neighborhood was unrecognizable following Friday morning’s devastating storm.

Residents spent their day picking up branches, cutting limbs with chainsaws and clearing a path from their front doors to the street.

The sounds of the storm are something many will never forget. Residents hunkered down in interior hallways and bathrooms as they prepared for the worst in the early morning hours.

“Having been in Indianhead for 40 years, and a Florida native, I had always heard of tornadoes and the freight train noise that they make, but I had never experienced it. Well, now I have experienced it,” said Sherry Mills, an Indianhead resident.

Her son and small grandson just happened to be staying over at her house the night before. “We all ran to the bathroom with no windows, it was unbelievable. The worst of it was only about five minutes, but it was terribly frightening.”

The cleanup of the neighborhood with the massive green and brown camouflaged roads will likely take days before residents see some sense of normalcy.

Video of Railroad Square from above shows scope of damage

The beloved arts district of Railroad Square was one of the  hardest hit areas of Tallahassee , along with Indianhead Acres, Myers Park and College Town.

See the scope of the damage from above in drone footage and hear from one of the business owner's.

"It's terrible," she said. "One of the galleries is completely gone, smashed down to the ground. Inside the shop, there's water and glass everywhere, the roof is just peeled back.”

Read the full story and see the video here.

First of power crew reinforcements arrive in Tallahassee, but full restoration could take days

To all the powerless of Tallahassee, help has arrived.

While the number of power outages hasn't budged much since the deadly storm ravaged the capital city, crews have been working for hours to fix more than 100 snapped power polls and damaged feeder lines, which provide power through 11 different substations.

"The first wave of more than 215 personnel from 20 utilities in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina has arrived to assist city crews as they work to repair the electric system from extensive damage.

Crews have told customers in the dark that the restoration may take days. City officials expect the work to restore power will go through the weekend.

City spokesperson Alison Faris said the extent of the damage has made it hard-going today because crews are focused on fixing the transmission infrastructure before they can start working on the distribution of power that energizes homes and businesses.

"Transmission first and then we restore circuits which impacts distribution," Faris told the Democrat. "All hands are on the transmission. We should start seeing some circuits repaired here shortly."

That can lead to entire sections of neighborhoods being powered up.

At 6 p.m., Faris said 85 percent of the work to the transmission line is complete. Crews are now shifting to fixes that can power up customers in bulk.

Red Cross mobilizing ahead of storm, opens Reception Center

As the scope of the damage comes into focus, the Red Cross is mobilizing to help the many residents struggling in the powerful storm's aftermath.

"A significant amount of damage has been reported in the Tallahassee area," the Red Cross wrote on Facebook. "If you need a safe place to go, visit us at our Reception Center at 1115 Easterwood Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32311.

"If you have you have sustained damage and need emergency assistance, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to let us know."

DeSantis declares state of emergency for Tallahassee, North Florida

About 9 hours after a storm cut a path of destruction through Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for Tallahassee and 12 north Florida counties. Counties included in the executive order are: Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties.

"Numerous tornadoes and strong wind gusts caused significant damage to critical state infrastructure, including wind and tree fall damage to residences, businesses, powerlines, and other infrastructure across North Florida," the governor's executive order states.

Storm packing 80 to 100 mph as National Weather Service assesses path of three possible Tallahassee tornadoes

We are getting our first look at the winds thatleft behind what the city is calling a "trail of destruction." According to an emailed briefing from the City of Tallahassee, the storm packed between 80 and 100 mph winds.

"The National Weather Service is assessing paths of three possible tornadoes," a city spokesperson wrote in an online briefing.

The briefing also gave an update on power outages, which have only gotten worse since the storm blew through and knocked 70,000 residents and businesses into the dark.

"Assessment of the electric grid shows severe damage to transmission lines, impacting 11 substations. Prolonged outages are anticipated as the grid is rebuilt and repaired. Crews are actively working. Mutual aid crews from 10 utilities, including from Alabama and Louisiana, are arriving to assist with restoration efforts. Additional calls for mutual aid have been requested from in-state and regional utilities. Damage assessment crews are taking an inventory of the damage, including broken poll counts. Early estimates indicate more than 100 polls are broken. Crews will work around the clock until service is restored. More than half of the City’s electric customers are without service due to impacts, totaling over 80,000 power outages."

The Weatherstem station at FAMU recorded an 84 mph gust and Kleman Plaza recorder clocked a punishing gust of 71 mph.

To report service issues, please use the City’s free DigiTally app or call 850-891-4968. Call wait times are longer than usual.

Storm emergency response prompts cancellations of Press the Chest and Southern Shakespeare's Friday festival

Southern Shakespeare Company has canceled its Friday performance of “The Winter’s Tale” after damage from Friday morning’s severe storm. Additional performances of the Mother’s Day weekend Shakespeare Festival are being evaluated. Posted on their website Friday:

“Due to extreme damage to our set and equipment by the storms, this Friday’s festival programming at Cascades Park is cancelled. Please stay tuned about our Saturday and Sunday performances as well as volunteer clean-up opportunities.”

Updates will be provided at southernshakespearefestival.org.

Due to the ongoing emergency response to today's severe weather, Leon County Press the Chest , originally scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, was also canceled. Leon County teams are actively responding to emergency calls, downed trees, clearing roads, assessing buildings, and supporting all response and recovery operations.

The scene of the tragedy off Aenon Park Road

At around 7:30 a.m., a woman believed to be 47 was killed after a tree fell on a trailer on Aenon Lane, off of Aenon Church Road, according to Shonda Knight, a spokesperson for LCSO. A sheriff’s deputy who was in the area was waved down by a resident and alerted to a fallen tree and a woman trapped under it. EMS and the Tallahassee Fire Department responded to the call.

ParkwayWrecker Service was also called to lift the tree off of the home, Knight said.

The woman’s significant other was able to get out of the house with minor injuries.

At the scene, sheriff's deputies and victims were helping the grieving family.

Tallahassee calls on more neighboring utilities to help

With more than half of Tallahassee's power grid off line , Tallahassee is beefing up its mutual aid call. A city spokesperson said they now have 10 different utilities from neighboring states and other Florida cities descending on Tallahassee to help reconnect customers.

Leon County woman killed after tree falls on home

The Leon County Sheriff's Office has announced that a woman was killed during the storm.

"We regret to inform that deputies are working a storm related fatality in the area of Aenon Church Rd," the Leon County Sheriff's Office announced. "An adult female is deceased due to a tree falling on the family’s home."

Superintendent Rocky Hanna: 'The timing couldn't have been worse'

After a white-knuckle start to the school day in which the district tried to keep schools open, Leon County Superintendent Rocky Hanna took to X to speak directly to parents.

Hann said the district felt "reassured" by forecasters last night that the capital city would be spared the brunt of the storm.

"The timing couldn't have been worst," Hanna said. "Unfortunately right before 7 a.m., the alarms went off and we held our busses moved our kids into safety in the hallways."

The school district had hoped to open on a case-by-case basis and even opened elementary schools, but the extent of the damage forced them to change course.

"There were just too many logistical obstacles to overcome," Hanna said.

He told parents crews would be working over the weekend to ensure schools could be open Monday.

"Than you for your patience and your understanding," he said. "This was completely unexpected by everyone in our community, but the main thing is no one was hurt."

Tallahassee train station ravaged by possible tornado

Severe storms and a suspected tornado tore the roof off of the old Tallahassee railway station, now the welcome and visitor information center of VisitTallahassee.

Friday morning, pink insulation littered the ground outside of the building and on the inside. Water dripped onto the seats of All Saints Cinema, and pieces of wood with embedded nails were scattered in the parking lot.

The station sits next to Railroad Square, which was also damaged during the storm. Twisted sheet metal from the roofs of Railroad Square’s buildings had blown over to College Town and littered the student housing complexes.

The human toll of the storm: 'Thank God my baby wasn't in there'

Kathy Bryant woke up early Friday morning for her work shift at Burger King. Her goal was to leave before the severe weather storm hit. 

"I can't believe this," Bryant said while wiping her tears. "What they gonna do about this."

She returned to her home on Wailes Street near Railroad Square to a gaping hole. Her kitchen and living room space are now filled with debris and the trunk of a large pine tree that once sat outside her home. 

"Thank God my baby wasn't in here," she said of her granddaughter who occasionally stays with her overnight. 

Several of her neighbors gathered to help her collect her belongings including family photos and her insulin, which was trapped in what used to be her kitchen. 

She lived in the house for four years. Now she's unsure of what she will do. 

Dick Howser Stadium at FSU trashed by storm

Dick Howser Stadium  took on damage from a line of  severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado Friday  morning.

The storm hit around the time when parents started taking their high school students to school. It has forced the closure of the campus as FSU and caused damage throughout the state. Dick Howser Stadium ― the home for FSU baseball ― was among the structures in the path of the violent storm.

The view from Indianhead

The Indianhead neighborhood, as usual during severe weather, was hard hit. Fallen trees appear to be blocking roads every 50 yards. One neighbor reported that a treetop near his house appeared to have snapped off, was shorn of branches and driven into the ground “like a pencil.” 

Still other trees had their tops snipped off, apparently by strong winds, leaving jagged edges of bare wood. Power lines and supporting cables were downed and lying on the ground like a mess of twist ties. A couple of residents could be seen trying to pull a limb off a roof. 

With school canceled, neighborhood kids had nothing else to do but go outside, with some dragging large branches out of the streets. One mom could be heard hollering, “Don’t go too far.”

DeSantis weighs in on storms

Gov. Ron DeSantis took to X to thank responders and pledge the state's support in the recovery ahead.

"Following the severe weather that impacted North Florida this morning, I have directed the Florida Division of Emergency Management to work with local officials and do everything possible to return life to normalcy for our residents as quickly as possible," he wrote. "Thank you to the first responders and utility workers who are working on power and roadway restoration. Stay safe and heed instructions from @FLSERT and local authorities."

About half of Tallahassee is in the dark as crews deal with rain, wind to reconnect the city

City of Tallahassee crews are dealing with another round of rain and wind as they begin the monumental task of reconnecting almost 70,000 customers who are without power.

"With possible tornadic activity in Tallahassee, early assessments of the electric grid show severe damage to transmission lines, impacting 11 substations," the city posted on X. "Restoration will possibly take through the weekend. Mutual aid has been requested. Crews from 8 utilities are on their way to assist from Central Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Jacksonville. Over 66,000 customers are without service."

FSU "Flying High" circus tent is gone as FSU endures 'severe impacts'

The Tallahassee morning storm wreaked havoc on the Florida State University which said it endured "severe impacts." The "Flying High" Circus tent is no longer standing, according to reporter Douglas Soule.

The tent material is twisted around gnarled metal beams on the soaked ground. The circular bleaches are shattered in multiple spots. Wires vine through everything.

The Florida State University Flying High Circus was founded in 1947 by Jack Haskin and was one of the first ways of integrating men and women after the college became co-ed. Haskin introduced an activity he had used as a high-school teacher in Illinois: a circus of two dozen acrobatic, juggling and balancing acts.

By the 1960s, the circus was internationally famous and appeared on TV shows such as "Wide World of Sports." In the 1970s, former circus director Dickie Brinson scheduled road shows all over the Southeast and Caribbean, found donors and fostered an alumni association.

Leon County Schools makes the call: Schools are closed

After trying to take it on a case-by-case basis, Leon County Schools administrators made the call at 9:15 a.m. to close all schools for the day.

"After discussion with our school principals and staff, we have made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the day," the district wrote on X. "Parents: Please proceed to your school to pick up your students."

The announcement came less than an hour after the district said it would be opening all elementary schools except Fort Braden and Woodville. Many high school students had arrived at schools before the worst of the storms blew through, which led them to bunker down in media rooms and hallways after the tornado warning was issued.

Reported tornado had downtown Tallahassee in its crosshairs

Christian Oliver, meteorologist with the National Weather service in Tallahassee, said a line of severe storms intensified as it neared the city, spawning a reported tornado in the downtown area.

“As that line was approaching the city, we had three distinct circulations, each with their own tornado debris signature,” Oliver said. “It looked like they were all kind of coming together into one tornadic capable storm.”

Oliver said the Weather Service received multiple eyewitness reports of a tornado downtown. A firefighter called in to report a twister in near Gaines Street.

“We’ll have to go out once it’s safe to do so to see what really happened and what moved through the city,” he said. “But we’ve had people call in saying that they actually saw at least one tornado.”

City of Tallahassee calls in outside power crews to assist; restoration will 'take some time'

With more than 66,000 out of power in Tallahassee, city officials are putting out the call for mutual aid.

That means crews from other electric companies swoop in to assist on the more than 650 outages around the city. Eight utilities from Louisiana, Alabama, Jacksonville and Central Florida are headed to the capital city.

City spokesperson Alison Faris said there is "significant transmission line damage which has impacted 11 substations that power the city. She said the grid was hard hit because the most intense winds hit around the city's main power plant and infrastructure.

Crews are already out and assessing and reconnecting customers to the grid.

POWER OUTAGES: Over 100,000 power outages in Florida as thunderstorms batter parts of state. Here's where

Faris said after early assessment that crews will undoubtedly be working around the clock and through the weekend.

"Based on the assessment and what we are seeing right now, the restoration is going to take some time because of the severity of what we're seeing," she told the Democrat

"There are lots of reports of downed trees and and downed polls," Faris said. "If you can stay off the roads, than please do, because that enables crews to do their work on power restoration and road clearing."

FAMU closed; employees told to work from home

"FAMU Main Campus and FAMU DRS are CLOSED today due to severe weather conditions and a localized tornado warning," the university posted on X. "All non-essential employees are instructed to work from home."

Elementary schools open, except Fort Braden and Woodville; absences and tardies will be excused

Leon schools confirmed elementary schools will open at 8:30 a.m. and all absences and tardies will be excused, according to district officials on X.

Ft. Braden and Woodville schools will remain closed today due to damage. 

'Severe impacts' at Florida State University. Campus closed after storm

FSU Alert, the campus emergency notification system, issued this notice.

"Following the completion of the first wave of storm assessments, it has been determined that the severe impact on campus necessitates the closure of the Tallahassee campus for business operations until further notice. Essential employees may be required to report to campus, and certain scheduled activities must continue. Employees should contact their supervisors to determine essential status." 

For further information on the University’s status, official announcements, or situational updates, check alerts.fsu.edu. 

Reports of tree, building damage throughout the city; city advises residents to stay off the roads if you can.

"Getting reports of trees down in many locations," the city of Tallahassee posted on X. "If you can stay off the roads this morning, please do. This helps responders."

There are also reports of debris after the storm cause structural damage to buildings around the city. A video shot at Railroad Square shows debris down.

"Tornado damage in Tallahassee Railroad Square - shredded insulation, wood and metal littered around - pieces of roof ripped off multiple buildings," the post stated.

The storms that hit Tallahassee this morning intensified as they approached the city, with three distinct rotating cells combining into one reported tornado that hit downtown, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

Multiple witnesses, including a firefighter near Gaines Street, called the @NWSTallahassee to report seeing a tornado downtown," Democrat reporter Jeff Burlew tweeted . "The Weather Service said it wasn’t clear whether the tornado was was on the ground."

Tallahassee Community College closed

Tallahassee Community College will be closed on Friday "due to impacts from severe weather," the college posted on X.

College locations that will be closed today are: Main Campus, Gadsden Center, Ghazvini Center for Healthcare Education, Wakulla Center, and Wakulla Environmental Institute. College services are suspended at the Center for Innovation. The Florida Public Safety Institute will remain open and operational.

School district officials taking it on a case-by-case basis

Leon County Schools is assessing damage and advises parents that safety comes first.

School District spokesperson Chris Petley says there are many schools without power and some with tree damage. Elementary and middle school principals are taking stock and will huddle with district officials in the 8 o'clock hour. Petley said the district is currently taking things on a school-by-school basis.

"We will have decisions in the next 30 minutes on elementary," he said. "It's a site by site decision as of this moment. But that could change."

AP exams have also been canceled by many schools.

Petley emphasized that absences and tardies will be excused.

"Please make the best decision for your family at this time," he said.

District staff and administrators at the Aquilina Howell Center were advised to stay home because access to the office may be blocked due to tornado damage and inaccessible roads.

Power out throughout the city; Outage map shows 60,000 customers in the dark

A short and furious storm knocked out power to more than 60,000 people in Tallahassee, according to the city's power outage map.

That number rivals what the city sees during hurricane strikes or near-misses.

"There are reports of substantial scattered outages around town as a result of the severe weather moving through," the city posted on X. "As it is safe to do so, crews will work to restore service. If you are driving this morning, use caution as there could be downed trees or other debris."

Tornado warning sends parents and school district scrambling

The Tallahassee area is under tornado warnings as severe storms with rotating winds roar across the Big Bend.

One tornado warning for northwestern Wakulla County and Leon County is in effect until 7:30 a.m. At 6:50 a.m., tornadic storms were located along a line extending from Midway to 14 miles southwest of Tallahassee.

"DANGEROUS SITUATION UNFOLDING FOR #TALLAHASSEE right now. SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY! Multiple circulations and Radar-confirmed tornadoes apparent on Radar. #FLwx ," the weather service posted on X.

The storms blew up at the same time Leon County High School parents were getting their kids to school. A school district spokesperson advised parents that tardies and absences would be excused and to stay off the roads until conditions are safe.

One teacher at Leon High sent an alert to students saying "there is no power at school. Do not drive in the storm."

Many South Georgia school districts closed in advance of the storm, but Tallahassee was listed in a lower risk area by forecasters.

"ALL LCS Busses will be delaying pick up for elementary and middle school until the severe weather passes through our area," the district tweeted. "Please monitor your email and our social media for updates. Our buses are parking at all the high schools to stay in place at this time."

The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore tweeted radar of what he said were two radar-indicated tornadoes in the Tallahassee area.

The tornado warning is set to end at 7:30 a.m. while a sever thunderstom warning remains until 7:45 a.m.