Hurricane season blows in as Holmes County tornado dust settles

Nearly a month after an EF-2 tornado struck Holmes County on May 10, significant progress has been made in storm recovery efforts. The tornado, which caused widespread destruction across the region, severely damaged approximately 40 homes and businesses. Miraculously, there were no fatalities and only one reported injury.

Cleanup operations began almost immediately following the storm, and by May 19, the county had expedited its debris removal program. According to Holmes County Emergency Management Director Lt. Barry Lee, more than 30,000 cubic yards of debris have been collected, an achievement reached in just 11 days and across 526 truckloads.

“That puts us at about 80% complete,” said Lee. “It’s been a massive effort with critical support from the Florida State Guard and the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.”

Inmate work crews have also played a key role in the response, continuing to assist with cutting, clearing, and organizing debris for collection.

While many homeowners are reporting cooperative insurance experiences, not everyone has had a smooth recovery.

“There are always a few horror stories,” Lee said. “Some residents are being told they haven’t met their deductible, and now they’re facing thousands in out-of-pocket costs to repair storm-damaged roofs.”

The county has set a soft deadline of Sunday, June 1, for residents to place all remaining tornado-related debris at the roadside. That date not only marks a checkpoint in the tornado recovery, it also signals the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

“We’ve gone from response to recovery, and now we need to shift to preparedness,” Lee said. “A major storm could impact us again, just like it has in the past.”

As part of ongoing preparation, the county is using the opportunity to conduct preventative maintenance, including removing storm-weakened trees and limbs that pose a threat in future storms.

“Some of these hundred-year-old oaks have cracked branches hanging over the road. We’re clearing them now while the debris trucks are here. It’s a cost-saving measure that improves safety,” said Lee.Though the tornado brought significant hardship, Lee said the response has strengthened local emergency preparedness moving forward.