Severe Storms Rip through Florida City Home to Piper and FlightSafety Academy

Strong winds overturned this airplane Tuesday at Treasure Coast International Airport in Florida. Facebook/Vladimir Georgievsky

Severe weather proved hazardous Tuesday in Vero Beach, Florida, home of Piper Aircraft and FlightSafety Academy.

Strong winds flipped a single-engine airplane at nearby Treasure Coast International Airport, and the city recorded a record rainfall of 11.22 inches, causing massive flooding and damage to homes and other property. The previous rainfall record was 8.82 inches, set in 1957, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

A mechanic was moving the airplane to a hangar when the storm rolled through, overturning and damaging the plane, WPTV reported.

Three tornadoes also were reported in the area, with winds peaking at about 90 mph and causing damage to about 30 homes.

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