Storm damage forces closure of Air Force base

PANAMA CITY, FL – Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida is closed while officials assess what they’re calling “widespread catastrophic damage.” No injuries were reported, but there’s roof damage to “nearly every home” on the base.

The base, located just east of Panama City, is closed until further notice. Base leaders said they are working with Air Force leadership to develop a short-term plan for the airmen who are stationed there and their families.

Along with ripping roofs off of buildings at the base, aircraft were damaged, and there is no clean water supply.

Base leaders say it is “just not safe” for anyone to return.

“At this point, Tyndall residents and evacuated personnel should remain at their safe location,” said Col. Brian Laidlaw, 325th Fighter Wing commander. “We are actively developing plans to reunite families and plan to provide safe passage back to base housing.”

Aerial video by WXChasing showed massive destruction, including a plane that had been on display flipped onto its top.