President Bush declares Florida disaster areas after Tornado strikes

President Bush has declared four central Florida counties disaster areas, following tornadoes that killed at least 20 people and left hundreds of homes destroyed.

President Bush has declared four central Florida counties disaster areas, following tornadoes that killed at least 20 people and left hundreds of homes destroyed. Search efforts resumed Saturday across the areas most devastated by the tornado-bearing thunderstorms.

The severe thunderstorms carrying at least one tornado when they ripped through Florida Friday in the dead of night, tearing homes to shreds, toppling heavy trucks and leaving a trail of rubble.

Rescue teams have fanned out this morning to search for survivors and victims who might still be trapped under flattened homes.

The storm hit at 3:15 a.m. (0815 GMT) and a spokesman for the Lake County sheriff’s office said at least one and perhaps two tornadoes touched down in a state that ranks only behind the infamous