2 dead, several injured as storms rip through Florida

Photo shows damage Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Sarasota County, after two suspected tornadoes swept through area. (Sarasota County Government)

Florida officials say two adults have been killed and four children have been seriously injured after two suspected tornadoes swept through central Florida early Sunday.

The dead and injured were all members of the same family and living in a mobile home in Duette, Fla., near Tampa.

The grandparents were killed, and the children were taken to
the hospital. Their father was injured as well.

At least three tornadoes have been reported in the area, where severe weather warnings were issued Sunday as storms continued to battle central Florida, according to The Weather Channel.

The severe weather was brought from the Gulf of Mexico after a cold front pushed in and mixed with warm air.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm damaged several homes in Duette, Fla., where winds hit 70 mph.

Florida Power and Light reported there were 17,000 homes without power in Sarasota County.

Sarasota County officials reported damage to multiple homes near Siesta Key. At least one home was destroyed and a woman had to be pulled from the wreckage by first responders. Other damage reports include roofs being blown off homes.

The National Weather Service says a line of strong to severe thunderstorms was expected to move through central and south Florida Sunday morning with a threat of damaging winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.

The National Weather Service also has issued a weather alert for southern Florida, including Palm Beach, Palm Springs and Boca Raton, and is advising residents to seek shelter due to the possibility of funnel clouds with gusty winds from 45 to 55 mph touching down in the area.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.