Draft:Hurricane Milton tornado outbreak

  • Comment: New information independent from the main article has been added and more information is being located.Crete44 (talk) 19:30, 16 October 2024 (UTC)

  • Comment: That is true, but Hurricane Milton is already a long article, and doesn’t have an aftermath section, so expansion is imminent (I might start the aftermath there tonight.) As a result, it seems reasonable to trim down some of the content in the main article and have this article exist.Crete44 (talk) 22:13, 13 October 2024 (UTC)

Stricken comment made in violation of WP:SOCK. -- Drdpw (talk) 13:48, 20 October 2024 (UTC)

  • Comment: Note to reviewers: It seems the entire "Tornado event" section was copied directly from Hurricane Milton. Shadow311 (talk) 21:21, 13 October 2024 (UTC)

Hurricane Milton tornado outbreak
EF3 damage to a mobile home in Wellington, Florida
Meteorological history
DateOctober 8-9, 2024
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes34
Maximum ratingEF3 tornado
Overall effects
Fatalities6[1]
Areas affectedFlorida

Part of the tornado outbreaks of 2024 and Hurricane Milton
See more detailed information

A tornado outbreak spawned by Hurricane Milton impacted the state of Florida as the storm approached landfall in the state. More than 140 tornado warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service since between October 7 and 9, 2024.[2] Affected areas include Fort Myers, Stuart, and Vero Beach.[3][4] As of October 13, 45 preliminary reports of tornadoes have been made by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC).[5]

Meteorological synopsis

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Track of Hurricane Milton

On October 5, a tropical depression developed in the western Gulf of Mexico,[6] strengthening into Tropical Storm Milton shortly thereafter.[7] The storm proceeded to explosively intensify near the Yucatán Peninsula,[8] becoming the 5th-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record on October 8.[9] That same day, as Hurricane Milton approached Florida, the United States's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) outlined a slight risk convective outlook for much of southern Florida, observing that enhanced low to mid-level flow, dew points in the mid 70s, and favorable timing with peak daytime heating would lead to a conducive environment for tornadogenesis as Milton's outer convective bands swept the area.[10] Rainbands stretching far from the center allowed the tornado outbreak to stretch further south.[11]

Tornado event

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On October 9, at least 27 confirmed tornadoes touched down in Florida before the storm made landfall as a result of a tornado outbreak that occurred that morning and afternoon, focused on the Florida Heartland, the Treasure Coast and the Space Coast.[12] Before Milton made landfall, 45 tornadoes were reported.[13] At least two tornadoes moved across I-75.[14] At 11:30am, a tornado touched down in Montura and tracked for 29.89 mi (48.10 km), becoming the second longest tropical tornado in history.[15] Another tornado touched down in North Fort Myers around 1:00 p.m., causing extensive damage to the area.[16] An EF1 tornado in Cocoa Beach ripped off the roof of a Wells Fargo bank.[17] Around 2:30 p.m., South Florida received the first F3/EF3 tornado since 1980.[18] By 6 pm, the National Weather Service (NWS) Miami office, which serves much of South Florida except the Florida Keys of Monroe County, reported that they had issued 55 tornado warnings, a record high in one day beating out the previous record of 37 on September 27, 2022 during Hurricane Ian,[19] and confirmed nine tornadoes on a preliminary basis.

The NWS Tampa Bay office also set a record high of 29 tornado warnings in one day, beating the previous record of 23 held by both Tropical Storm Debby of 2012 and Tropical Storm Andrea on June 6, 2013.[20][21] An EF3 tornado in Wellington resulted in 20 homes being rendered uninhabitable and 50 others sustaining significant damage.[22] At least six people were killed in St. Lucie County by a EF3 tornado that touched down at 5:00 p.m.[23][24] The same tornado also damaged dozens of near Fort Pierce.[25] A total of nine tornadoes struck the county, including three in the span of 25 minutes.[26] In total, a record 126 tornado warnings have been issued throughout the state, and the second-most of any state in one day, only behind Alabama on April 27, 2011 at the height of the 2011 Super Outbreak.[27] In one of the tornadoes, a couples house was thrown 150 ft (46 m) with the residents inside, with both of them sustaining serious injuries.[28]

Confirmed tornadoes

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Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
3 6 22 6 3 0 0 40

October 8 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Tuesday, October 8, 2024[a]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width
EF1 Key West Monroe FL 24°32′N 81°48′W / 24.54°N 81.8°W / 24.54; -81.8 (Key West (Oct. 8, EF1)) 03:37-03:39 0.3 mi (0.48 km) 50 yd (46 m)
An EF1 tornado was confirmed by NWS Key West. Preliminary information.[29]

October 9 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Wednesday, October 9, 2024[a]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width
EF1 W of Florida City Miami-Dade FL 25°28′30″N 80°30′52″W / 25.4751°N 80.5144°W / 25.4751; -80.5144 (Florida City (Oct. 9, EF1)) 08:27-08:40 2.93 mi (4.72 km) [to be determined]
Damage from this tornado was limited mainly fences and yards. Several trees were downed.[30]
EF0 S of Miccosukee Reservation Miami-Dade FL 25°42′57″N 80°52′04″W / 25.7157°N 80.8679°W / 25.7157; -80.8679 (Miccosukee Reservation (Oct. 9, EF0)) 12:45-12:49 9.04 mi (14.55 km) [to be determined]
A tornadic debris signature was noted on radar and damage was found.[30]
EFU W of Miccosukee Reservation to Big Cypress Reservation Collier, Hendry FL 26°07′34″N 80°52′39″W / 26.1261°N 80.8774°W / 26.1261; -80.8774 (Miccosukee Reservation (Oct. 9, EFU)) 13:42-14:06 13.52 mi (21.76 km) [to be determined]
F-DOT cameras and numerous videos from the public showed a large tornado crossing I-75.[30]
EFU W of Weston Broward FL 26°07′36″N 80°31′51″W / 26.1268°N 80.5309°W / 26.1268; -80.5309 (Weston (Oct. 9, EFU)) 14:04-14:15 4.68 mi (7.53 km) [to be determined]
A storm chaser recorded a tornado over open land.[30]
EF1 SE of Montura to western Clewiston to SE of Moore Haven Hendry, Glades FL 26°49′16″N 81°01′56″W / 26.8212°N 81.0321°W / 26.8212; -81.0321 (Montura (Oct. 9, EF1)) 14:42-15:20 16.97 mi (27.31 km) [to be determined]
Damage occurred in the Sky Valley neighborhood of Clewiston.[30]
EF1 S of Montura to SE of Palmdale Hendry, Glades FL 26°29′43″N 81°07′25″W / 26.4952°N 81.1237°W / 26.4952; -81.1237 (Montura (Oct. 9, EF1)) 15:27-16:11 29.89 mi (48.10 km) [to be determined]
Scattered damage occurred to utility poles along a long track. A tornado debris signature was noted on radar.[30]
EF0 NE of Belle Glade to SSE of Port Mayaca Palm Beach FL 26°43′43″N 80°35′26″W / 26.7286°N 80.5906°W / 26.7286; -80.5906 (Belle Glade (Oct. 9, EF0)) 15:40-16:08 15.53 mi (24.99 km) [to be determined]
Minor tree damage occurred.[30]
EF1 E of Lakeport to Brighton Reservation Glades FL 27°04′31″N 81°06′43″W / 27.0754°N 81.1119°W / 27.0754; -81.1119 (Lakeport (Oct. 9, EF1)) 15:44-15:59 6.28 mi (10.11 km) [to be determined]
This high-end EF1 tornado began on western Lake Okeechobee before moving ashore, damaging several manufactured homes and vegetation in the area. The tornado tracked northward, rolling an outbuilding off its foundation, snapping a wooden utility pole at its base and damaging several more mobile homes. The tornado continued through fields before entering the Brighton Reservation, crossing through several cattle pastures. Several trees were uprooted or lost their tops in the reservation before the tornado lifted.[30]
EF1 Matlacha Lee FL 26°37′41″N 82°04′04″W / 26.6281°N 82.0679°W / 26.6281; -82.0679 (Matlacha (Oct. 9, EF1)) 15:54-15:56 0.91 mi (1.46 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A waterspout moved onshore in Matlacha causing roof and siding damage to several homes. The worst of the damage was to two homes, one where half of the roof was ripped off and the other was a mobile home that had half the roof ripped off and walls collapse under it. The tornado moved back over water and dissipated.[31]
EF2 Western Fort Myers to northeastern Cape Coral Lee FL 26°35′36″N 81°52′43″W / 26.5933°N 81.8786°W / 26.5933; -81.8786 (Fort Myers (Oct. 9, EF2)) 16:15-16:41 11.29 mi (18.17 km) [to be determined]
This strong, high-end EF2 tornado initially caused scattered tree damage and minor roof damage on the west side of Fort Myers. The tornado then removed a large portion of the roof of a home and collapsed a wall on the home's garage. Roof damage was also noted just across the street but was already being repaired at the time of the survey. The track continued across the Fort Myers Country Club with snapped and uprooted trees along with minor to moderate damage to homes. The tornado then crossed the Caloosahatchee River and entered North Fort Myers, producing scattered tree damage before damaging several structures in a manufactured home community. Continuing northward, the tornado intensified as it struck a warehouse. The tornado continued on a north-northwest track, passing through several more neighborhoods in northeastern Cape Coral, producing tree and roof damage. The tornado passed through another manufactured home community, significantly damaging several structures before lifting.[31]
EF1 SE of Lorida Highlands FL 27°21′43″N 81°12′18″W / 27.362°N 81.205°W / 27.362; -81.205 (Lorida (Oct. 9, EF1)) 16:37-16:50 6.83 mi (10.99 km) 500 yd (460 m)
A weak tornado began just to the east of Lake Istokpoga and was recorded and photographed by storm chasers and the public. The tornado moved over mostly rural countryside before damage to several power poles and snapped pine trees was observed. The tornado then peeled large metal roof panels off an outbuilding and buckled its doors, dissipating soon after inflicting the damage.[31]
EF1 El Jobean Charlotte FL 26°59′39″N 82°11′15″W / 26.9943°N 82.1875°W / 26.9943; -82.1875 (El Jobean (Oct. 9, EF0)) 16:41-16:43 2.58 mi (4.15 km) 450 yd (410 m)
This brief tornado originally began as a waterspout on the Myakka River before producing strong damage in a small community along the river. After moving through, the tornado quickly dissipated.[31]
EF0 N of North Fort Myers Charlotte FL 26°49′12″N 81°50′05″W / 26.8199°N 81.8348°W / 26.8199; -81.8348 (North Fort Myers (Oct. 9, EF0)) 16:54-16:56 0.51 mi (0.82 km) 25 yd (23 m)
Several trees were uprooted, a camper was overturned and a structure was damage.[31]
EF2 NW of Okeechobee to E of Fort Basinger Okeechobee FL 27°16′56″N 80°52′47″W / 27.2822°N 80.8798°W / 27.2822; -80.8798 (Okeechobee (Oct. 9, EF2)) 18:04-18:20 8.49 mi (13.66 km) 250 yd (230 m)
This tornado first lifted a manufactured home off its foundation and threw it over 200 yd (180 m), completely destroying it and injuring two occupants. A nearby steel barn had its metal torn off and the structure twisted. Further along the path, agricultural equipment was overturned and a home experienced partial roof loss, with its roof shifted north and a palm tree snapped in half. Another mobile home was destroyed nearby and a small farm outbuilding collapsed. The tornado then tracked through the Dixie Ranch Acres community, damaging multiple homes on several blocks. The damage mainly consisted of roof and soffit damage along with destroyed outbuildings. One home lost over a fifth of its roofing and significant tree damage was observed nearby. The tornado then moved into open pasture before dissipating.[32]
EF0 W of Palm City to Port St. Lucie Martin, St. Lucie FL 27°07′37″N 80°23′02″W / 27.127°N 80.384°W / 27.127; -80.384 (Palm City (Oct. 9, EF0)) 18:05-18:40 18.1 mi (29.1 km) 200 yd (180 m)
A high-end EF0 tornado touched down in a wooded area south of I-95 and crossed it, flipping a tractor trailer on the interstate. It continued north along the interstate, downing numerous trees. Moving north-northeast, the tornado entered the Rosser Reserve subdivision, causing minor to moderate damage to residential structures. Shingles, soffits, and gutters were the main parts of homes that were damaged here. In the Hidden Oaks neighborhood, a home sustained major damage when part of its roof was peeled back. The tornado weakened as it traveled further north, downing only a few trees and several large branches. A few homes in the Torino neighborhood experienced minor roof and siding damage before the tornado lifted.[33]
EF1 ENE of Cypress Quarters to S of Fort Drum Okeechobee FL 27°16′21″N 80°42′26″W / 27.2724°N 80.7072°W / 27.2724; -80.7072 (Cypress Quarters (Oct. 9, EF1)) 18:10-18:39 17.14 mi (27.58 km) 300 yd (270 m)
This high-end EF1 tornado initially flipped over some irrigation equipment before damaging a home's metal roof, without tearing it off, and toppled nearby trees, including around the entrance to Sunshine Grove, the site of the Okeechobee Music & Arts Festival. It then traveled over mainly undeveloped land with no known damage occurring. The tornado then passed over a commercial farm causing significant roof damage to two small homes and flipped a semi-truck with a flatbed trailer. The most severe damaged occurred at the Pine Creek Sporting Club where three well-constructed wood-frame outbuildings were destroyed. Heavy-duty posts on two buildings were sheared off and on the third, posts were ripped from the ground as the roof was lifted, scattering debris northward. An employee reported that a UTV was thrown into an oak tree while nearby cabins sustained only minor damage. The tornado continued northwest, snapping numerous trees before eventually lifting just south of Fort Drum.[34]
EF2 Sylvan Shores Highlands FL 27°18′19″N 81°20′31″W / 27.3052°N 81.342°W / 27.3052; -81.342 (Sylvan Shores (Oct. 9, EF2)) 18:13-18:18 2.87 mi (4.62 km) 300 yd (270 m)
A high-end EF2 tornado began on the southeastern shore of Lake Clay before moving across the lake and entering a mobile home community on the lake's north side. Approximately 20-30 mobile homes suffered damage, primarily consisting of carports being peeled off or removed along with various degrees of roof and patio damage. A few mobile homes suffered partial wall collapses as a result of their roof being compromised, with one injury occurring in one of those homes. One mobile home was displaced a foot from its supports along with its roof mostly removed and a few walls collapsed. A large number of tree limbs were downed in the park as well. The tornado continued over rural land before dissipating at southern shore of Lake Apthorpe.[31]
EF0 NW of Big Cypress Reservation (1st tornado) Hendry FL 26°27′01″N 81°03′12″W / 26.4502°N 81.0533°W / 26.4502; -81.0533 (Big Cypress Reservation (Oct. 9, EF0)) 18:15-18:17 1.28 mi (2.06 km) [to be determined]
Minor tree damage occurred.[30]
EF1 N of Big Cypress Reservation (2nd tornado) Hendry FL 26°25′52″N 81°02′20″W / 26.4311°N 81.0388°W / 26.4311; -81.0388 (Big Cypress Reservation (Oct. 9, EF1)) 18:19-18:21 1.26 mi (2.03 km) [to be determined]
A large utility pole was damaged.[30]
EF1 N of Big Cypress Reservation (3rd tornado) Hendry FL 26°26′01″N 81°00′49″W / 26.4335°N 81.0137°W / 26.4335; -81.0137 (Big Cypress Reservation (Oct. 9, EF1)) 18:21-18:23 1.74 mi (2.80 km) [to be determined]
A high-end EF1 tornado damaged a few trees.[30]
EF2 NE of Fort Basinger Okeechobee FL 27°25′54″N 80°57′13″W / 27.4318°N 80.9535°W / 27.4318; -80.9535 (Fort Basinger (Oct. 9, EF2)) 18:27-18:32 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A tornado began over open pasture before moving through a dairy farm, partially collapsing a large steel barn. Nearby power poles and lines were downed, including a power pole that was snapped. The tornado then moved back over open pasture before dissipating.[35]
EF1 Venus Highlands FL 27°04′01″N 81°20′52″W / 27.0669°N 81.3478°W / 27.0669; -81.3478 (Venus (Oct. 9, EF1)) 18:30-18:32 0.59 mi (0.95 km) 100 yd (91 m)
This tornado first damaged several trees, snapping large branches off of them and damaged the garage and roof of a nearby home. The tornado continued tracking north damaging another home and shed and snapping several pine trees while uprooting a few palm trees. A small storage structure was destroyed and multiple long trailers, a pickup truck, and a horse trailer were all overturned at one home. Another residence saw a speedboat tossed into the house after being blown off its trailer. An RV was moved approximately 100 yd (91 m) from a carport at another home, with an ATV at the location also flipped. Damage continued mainly to trees before lifting.[31]
EF3 NE of Moore Haven to Brighton Reservation Glades FL 26°53′16″N 81°02′17″W / 26.8878°N 81.0381°W / 26.8878; -81.0381 (Moore Haven (Oct. 9, EF3)) 18:24-18:42 15.46 mi (24.88 km) [to be determined]
An intense tornado first caused damage in the Sarasota Colony neighborhood in Lakeport, demolishing the second stories of three well-built homes. The tornado then broke the windows of homes, tossed manufactured homes and trailers, flipped a car, and scattered debris in the Fishermans Lane neighborhood. One of the manufactured home's chassis was wrapped around 10 ft (3.0 m) to 15 ft (4.6 m) high around a tree, with its contents found 200 yd (180 m) away in a pond. Three people were injured in this neighborhood. The tornado continued north-northwest, entering the Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation, damaging trees and pulling metal roofing from outbuildings. In the reservation's main village, roof damage occurred to chickee huts and trees. A spectator area and a dugout were also heavily damaged at the village's sport complex, where the tornado ended up lifting behind the baseball fields.[30]
EF1 S of Placid Lakes Highlands FL 27°10′37″N 81°21′07″W / 27.177°N 81.3519°W / 27.177; -81.3519 (Placid Lakes (Oct. 9, EF1)) 18:42-18:44 0.47 mi (0.76 km) [to be determined]
This brief tornado tore half the roof off of the Archbold Biological Station, with some minor damage to the roof of a nearby building before quickly lifting.[31]
EF0 Western Avon Park Highlands FL 27°35′17″N 81°30′56″W / 27.588°N 81.5156°W / 27.588; -81.5156 (Avon Park (Oct. 9, EF0)) 18:47-18:48 0.57 mi (0.92 km) 75 yd (69 m)
A high-end EF0 tornado damaged the roof of an inn, damaged the awnings of two single-wide trailers, and snapped several large tree limbs along its brief path.[31]
EFU W of Loxahatchee Groves to SE of Indiantown Palm Beach, Martin FL 26°43′46″N 80°27′53″W / 26.7294°N 80.4646°W / 26.7294; -80.4646 (Loxahatchee Groves (Oct. 9, EFU)) 18:49-19:11 16.35 mi (26.31 km) [to be determined]
A storm chaser witnessed a tornado just north of US-98. The tornado continued into Martin County and that area is yet to be surveyed.[30]
EF1 Port St. Lucie to S of Fort Pierce South St. Lucie FL 27°13′41″N 80°21′40″W / 27.228°N 80.361°W / 27.228; -80.361 (Port St. Lucie (Oct. 9, EF1)) 18:59-19:13 11.8 mi (19.0 km) 150 yd (140 m)
The tornado initially caused minor residential damage, such as missing shingles and soffit issues, in three subdivisions in Port St. Lucie. It continued northward, producing sporadic tree damage and impacting communities on the northside of Port St. Lucie. The tornado then produced significant structural damage to a metal canopy system at the St. Lucie County Sherriff's Office before lifting shortly after.[36]
EF1 SW of Lakewood Park to W of Florida Ridge St. Lucie, Indian River FL 27°29′44″N 80°24′56″W / 27.4955°N 80.4156°W / 27.4955; -80.4156 (Lakewood Park (Oct. 9, EF1)) 19:05-19:17 6.6 mi (10.6 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A tornado began near the Meadowood Golf and Tennis Club, downing oak, pine and palm trees. The tornado continued northwestward, uprooting and snapping several pines at low-end EF1 strength. The tornado continued tracking northwestward along I-95, producing minor damage to carports and roofs of a few mobile homes before dissipating after crossing county lines into Indian River County.[37]
EF1 N of Yeehaw Junction to NE of Kenansville Indian River, Brevard, Osceola FL 27°48′54″N 80°51′25″W / 27.815°N 80.857°W / 27.815; -80.857 (Yeehaw Junction (Oct. 9, EF1)) 19:14-19:30 8.18 mi (13.16 km) 150 yd (140 m)
This tornado began just south of the triple point between the three counties, crossing through all of them before continuing through Osceola County. A notable swath of tree damage occurred, with a large number of pine trees snapped in a heavily wooded area. Minor damage also was inflicted to a barn.[38]
EF1 NE of Kenansville to N of Holopaw Osceola FL 27°55′25″N 80°54′58″W / 27.9235°N 80.9162°W / 27.9235; -80.9162 (Kenansville (Oct. 9, EF1)) 19:28-20:07 21 mi (34 km) 150 yd (140 m)
This rain-wrapped tornado caused a well-constructed barn to collapse and snapped or uprooted numerous trees across rural portions of the county.[39]
EF1 Vero Beach South to Vero Beach to Gifford Indian River FL 27°37′04″N 80°23′18″W / 27.6178°N 80.3883°W / 27.6178; -80.3883 (Vero Beach South (Oct. 9, EF1)) 19:48-19:57 4.51 mi (7.26 km) 150 yd (140 m)
A tornado initially downed trees before damaging residences and businesses, mainly their roofs. The tornado then struck the Vero Beach Police Department, where surveillance cameras showed several trees and utility poles downed. A mesonet weather station at the station recorded a peak wind gust of 92 mph (148 km/h). Several more trees continued to be downed by the tornado as it tracked northward through neighborhoods, before diminishing in Gifford.[40]
EF1 Port Salerno Martin FL 27°07′28″N 80°11′38″W / 27.1244°N 80.1938°W / 27.1244; -80.1938 (Port Salerno (Oct. 9, EF1)) 20:03-20:12 3 mi (4.8 km) 250 yd (230 m)
A tornado touched down and quickly tossed a camper, injuring an occupant. The tornado then moved into the Colonial Heights subdivision, significantly damaging several mobile homes with the main damage being to their carports and roofs, while some of the mobile homes were shifted off their foundations. The tornado entered the New Monrovia neighborhood causing moderate to major damage to many homes, including complete roof loss on several manufactured homes and damaging the roof and vegetation at a middle school. Further north, in the Rocky Point subdivision along the St. Lucie River, numerous houses suffered minor to moderate roof, soffit, and carport damage, with one home experiencing total roof loss. The tornado then moved over the St. Lucie River, becoming a waterspout and dissipated over the river.[41]
EF1 Vero Beach South to Vero Beach to Gifford Indian River FL 27°37′24″N 80°23′45″W / 27.6233°N 80.3957°W / 27.6233; -80.3957 (Vero Beach South (Oct. 9, EF1)) 20:09-20:16 3.44 mi (5.54 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A second tornado struck the Vero Beach area, starting just west of the previous tornado's track. Damage was limited to trees initially before doing more significant damage to structures near the Vero Beach Airport. Several businesses suffered extensive roof loss and numerous trees were uprooted. A large metal warehouse shifted off its foundation as its walls and roof collapsed. The tornado tracked through the airport before lifting just after exiting it.[40]
EF1 Fort Pierce North to Lakewood Park St. Lucie FL 27°28′10″N 80°20′48″W / 27.4695°N 80.3468°W / 27.4695; -80.3468 (Fort Pierce North (Oct. 9, EF1)) 20:14-20:24 6.75 mi (10.86 km) 150 yd (140 m)
This tornado began just north of the Belcher Canal, causing vegetative damage and partial roof loss to a few structures in Fort Pierce North. It then moved nearby the Treasure Coast International Airport airfield, where several small planes were tossed and flipped. The airport's ASOS recorded a wind gust of 60 mph (97 km/h). The tornado then tracked through forested area north of the airport, damaging trees. Substantial damage was observed to a few homes within the Island Pines Golf Club area. Continuing northwest, the tornado entered Lakewood Park, causing damage to mainly carports, porches and awnings. The tornado struck Lakewood Park roughly an hour before the EF3 tornado at 2059 UTC. The tornado lifted just before entering Indian River County.[42]
EF2 W of Loxahatchee Groves to western Palm City to southern Fort Pierce Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie FL 26°43′46″N 80°27′53″W / 26.7294°N 80.4646°W / 26.7294; -80.4646 (Loxahatchee Groves (Oct. 9, EF2)) 20:33-21:50 51.22 mi (82.43 km) 300 yd (270 m)
A strong, long-track tornado began in rural Palm Beach County, moving over open, uninhabited land, including the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. The tornado then moved through rural Martin County, before impacting a few homes. A large, newly constructed home experienced major damage when nearly all of its roof was torn back and tossed onto an adjacent home. Nearby metal storage structures were also significantly damaged. The tornado continued northward, sporadically damaging vegetation and residential structures occurred. The tornado then damaged several industrial buildings, including the canopy of a gas station. Crossing Florida's Turnpike, it entered several subdivisions but only produced minor damage given that the homes were built strongly. Storm spotter video showed the tornado crossing the St. Lucie River becoming a well-defined waterspout before moving back ashore at the St. Lucia River Club, inflicting minor property damage and significant damage to vegetation. Sporadic property damage continued in eastern Port St. Lucie, mainly in the form of shingle loss and soffit damage. The tornado then entered Savannas Preserve State Park, doing more damage to vegetation before striking Indian River Estates where numerous homes were affected. Several parked vehicles were flipped and tossed, and a few homes experienced partial roof loss. The tornado continued into southern Fort Pierce, but dissipated quickly upon entering residential areas.[30][43]
EF3 SW of Wellington to The Acreage SW of Hobe Sound Palm Beach, Martin FL 26°33′20″N 80°19′56″W / 26.5555°N 80.3321°W / 26.5555; -80.3321 (Wellington (Oct. 9, EF3)) 20:43-21:30 32.9 mi (52.9 km) 100 yd (91 m)
This long-tracked, intense tornado began over the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, but damage was first noted as the tornado entered western Wellington and crossed over Southern Blvd. near Palm Beach State College. A double-wide mobile home was completely destroyed at EF3 intensity. The tornado tracked north-northeast through Wellington, inflicting significant damage to homes and trees. The tornado continued inflicting damage as it tracked through Loxahatchee Groves and The Acreage. After exiting those towns, the tornado's most intense damage occurred in the Avenir neighborhood of Palm Beach Gardens. An unfinished Publix's roof collapsed and vehicles in the parking lot were displaced. Multiple homes had major damage to their roofs and shattered windows. Vehicles in the neighborhood were tossed over 100 yd (91 m). The tornado tracked very close to the North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport, where a 92 mph (148 km/h) wind gust was recorded. The tornado then struck Jupiter Farms, causing more tree and structural damage before crossing into Martin County. Here, it weakened to EF0 intensity, flipping a tractor trailer on I-95 and damaging nearby trees, before dissipating in Jonathan Dickinson State Park.[30][44]
EF3 N of Port St. Lucie to Lakewood Park to Vero Beach St. Lucie, Indian River FL 27°22′27″N 80°25′36″W / 27.3742°N 80.4266°W / 27.3742; -80.4266 (Port St. Lucie (Oct. 9, EF3)) 20:59-21:30 21.17 mi (34.07 km) 500 yd (460 m)
6 deaths – See section on this tornado.
EF2 Eastern Port Salerno Martin FL 27°04′49″N 80°11′36″W / 27.0803°N 80.1932°W / 27.0803; -80.1932 (Port Salerno (Oct. 9, EF2)) 21:35-21:46 5.7 mi (9.2 km) 400 yd (370 m)
A tornado began in the Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park and tracked over marshland before impacting the Lost Lake subdivision, causing significant tile loss on concrete bock homes and extensive vegetative damage. It continued into the Mariner Sands community, causing several wood-framed homes to lose roofs and partially collapsing their walls at low-end EF2 strength. One resident sustained minor injuries. The tornado then impacted the Manatee Creek subdivision, where about 30 wood-framed homes suffered major damage, including roof loss and wall collapse. The tornado then moved into Rocky Point, where the eastern side of the neighborhood experienced sporadic damage to roofs, soffits and downed trees and power lines. The tornado then moved out over onto the Intracoastal Waterway before dissipating as a waterspout.[45]
EF1 Cocoa Beach to Merritt Island Brevard FL 28°20′22″N 80°36′21″W / 28.3395°N 80.6059°W / 28.3395; -80.6059 (Cocoa Beach (Oct. 9, EF1)) 21:53-22:09 5.24 mi (8.43 km) 250 yd (230 m)
This waterspout moved onshore into Cocoa Beach near a condominium, damaging the roofs of several storage units and garages on the property. The tornado continued west-northwest, removing a large portion of the roof of a bank. Moving into residential area, the tornado caused roof loss, broken windows, and downed trees within the area. The tornado then moved offshore onto the Banana River before landfalling onto Merritt Island in the Riviera Isles subdivision, inflicting minor damage to pool and porch enclosures before dissipating quickly.[46]

Port St. Lucie - Vero Beach

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Port St. Lucie - Vero Beach
EF3 tornado
Formed20:59
Duration31 minutes
Dissipated21:30
Max. rating1EF3 tornado
Fatalities6
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale

An intense tornado first inflicted damage at the Creekside subdivision and Sunnier Palms Park where homes lost roofs and mobile homes were severely damaged or destroyed. Moving northward, the tornado reached its peak intensity as it partially collapsed two large warehouses. The tornado then tracked through more subdivisions and small communities inflicting significant damage to structures. Damage included homes suffering roof, siding, and soffit damage. The tornado devastated the Spanish Lakes community where over 20 mobile homes were destroyed or flipped by the tornado, although most concrete structures survived.[47] All of the fatalities from the tornado occurred in this location. Concrete structures within the Spanish Lakes community only sustained moderate damage compared to the mobile homes.[48]

The tornado then crossed into Indian River county into Vero Beach where multiple properties suffered roof and outbuilding damage and healthy trees were toppled or snapped. A Publix suffered broken windows and air conditioning units on the roof of the store were dislodged and tossed to the ground. A car was also flipped over in the parking lot. The tornado then crossed the Indian River onto barrier islands, immediately impacting a condominium upon landfall. Sections of the roof were torn off on the east and west building and thrown northward into a tree line. A pontoon boat was lifted out of the water and landed upside down on a sea wall. Tree limbs were downed and shingles and roof tiles were ripped off of homes and businesses on the barrier island in town. The tornado tracked through a small park, toppling a seagrape tree before moving offshore.[48]

During the tornado, many lives were reportedly saved on Winter Garden Parkway, as a women began honking her horn to alert others of the tornadoes.[49] In addition to the fatalities, over 25 people required rescue during the tornado.[50] This became the deadliest tornado spawned by a tropical cyclone in history.[15]

Aftermath

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Thousands of people lost power in Vero Beach due to the tornadoes.[51] A solar farm in Lake Placid was struck by a tornado, decreasing electricity production.[52] Following the tornadoes, several volunteers and a church helped with tornado relief efforts across St. Lucie County.[53] Deputies were stationed around Spanish Lakes to ensure only residents and first responders could enter in the aftermath of the tornado.[54] WPTV-TV partnered with 7 local businesses to fundraise for tornado victims.[55]

References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

Footnotes

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  1. ^ Sutton, Scott; Papaycik, Matt (October 9, 2024). "At least 6 killed in St. Lucie County after tornado outbreak, fire rescue says". WPTV. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  2. ^ Sentinel, Bill Kearney | South Florida Sun (October 9, 2024). "Hurricane Milton spawns 'tornadic supercell'; reports of damage from tornadoes across South Florida". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  3. ^ "Suspected tornado tears through Fort Myers, leaves behind significant damage from Hurricane Milton". wtsp.com. October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Neal, Adam L. "Hurricane Milton: Multiple suspected tornadoes cause damage in Stuart, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach". Treasure Coast. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  5. ^ "20241009's Storm Reports (20241009 1200 UTC - 20241010 1159 UTC)". Storm Prediction Center. October 13, 2024.
  6. ^ Brown, Daniel (October 5, 2024). Tropical Depression Fourteen Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 5, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  7. ^ Brown, Daniel; Kelly (October 5, 2024). Tropical Storm Milton Update Statement (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 5, 2024.
  8. ^ Beven, Jack (October 7, 2024). "Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 8". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  9. ^ Richard J. Pasch (October 7, 2024). Hurricane Milton Discussion Number 12 (Report). National Hurricane Center. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  10. ^ "Oct 8, 2024 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook". Storm Prediction Center. October 8, 2024.
  11. ^ "Why Hurricane Milton produced such strong tornadoes — and why future storms might do so again". NBC News. October 11, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  12. ^ "At least 19 tornadoes touch down in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton landfall". WBBH-TV. October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  13. ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Wednesday October 09, 2024". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  14. ^ Ferrell, Jesse (October 9, 2024). "2 large tornadoes from Hurricane Milton cross I-75 in Florida". AccuWeather. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  15. ^ a b "5 reasons Hurricane Milton's tornado outbreak was historic". AccuWeather. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  16. ^ Hannon, Mickenzie (October 9, 2024). "Hurricane Milton: Tornadoes cause wide-spread damage in Fort Myers area". The News-Press. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  17. ^ Dahm, Daniel (October 9, 2024). "Cocoa Beach buildings damaged by possible tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton". WKMG-TV. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  18. ^ "Why deadly 'midwest-style tornadoes' formed in South Florida during Milton". Central Florida Public Media. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  19. ^ Lewis, Kaitlin (October 9, 2024). "Hurricane Milton update as Florida breaks tornado warning record". Newsweek. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  20. ^ NWS Miami [@NWSMiami] (October 9, 2024). "10/9 - As of 6pm: 55 Tornado Warnings issued today solely by NWS Miami.98 Tornado Warnings issued today by NWS Tampa Bay, NWS Melbourne, and NWS Miami today. At least 9 Confirmed Tornadoes today in our NWS Miami area (Preliminary)" (Tweet). Retrieved October 9, 2024 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ Blue, Mathieu [@MathieuBlue] (October 9, 2024). "🌪️ Both NWS Miami & NWS Tampa have broken the record for *most tornado warnings issued in a single day* by their offices" (Tweet). Retrieved October 10, 2024 – via Twitter.
  22. ^ Palm, Valentina (October 12, 2024). "'I didn't think anyone could survive' one of these: Tornado blew roof off Wellington house". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  23. ^ "Hurricane Milton live updates: Florida surveys 'tragic' damage in wake of monster storm, dozens of tornadoes". The Independent. October 10, 2024.
  24. ^ "Hurricane Milton live updates: Monster storm slams into Florida; deaths confirmed". NBC News. October 10, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  25. ^ "Sheriff: 'Multiple fatalities' in St. Lucie County". October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  26. ^ "Deadly Hurricane Milton lashes Florida with wind, flooding and tornadoes". CNN. October 10, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  27. ^ Morgan, Michelle (October 10, 2024). "Record-breaking 126 tornado warnings issued in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton". WKMG-TV. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  28. ^ "Tornado from Hurricane Milton launches couple's mobile home 150 feet with them inside". KBTX. October 14, 2024. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  29. ^ Cite error: The named reference DAT was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o National Weather Service in Miami, Florida (October 15, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for the Hurricane Milton Tornado Event - Update #3 (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i National Weather Service in Tampa, Florida (October 18, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Hurricane Milton Tornado Event - New and Updated Tracks (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  32. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 12, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for 10/09/2024 Dixie Ranch Acres Area Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  33. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 16, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Martin and St. Lucie County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  34. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 15, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for 10/09/24 Northeastern Okeechobee County Tornado Event - Update #1 (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
  35. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 13, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for 10/09/2024 Tornado Event in NW Okeechobee County (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  36. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 16, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for St. Lucie County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  37. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 17, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for St. Lucie County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  38. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 21, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Southeast Rural Osceola County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  39. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 21, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Osceola County Holopaw Tornado (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
  40. ^ a b National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 17, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Indian River County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  41. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 12, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Martin County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  42. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 16, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for St. Lucie County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  43. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 17, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Martin and St. Lucie County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  44. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 17, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Martin County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
  45. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 12, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Martin County Tornado Event (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 12, 2024.
  46. ^ National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 13, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for Brevard County Tornado Event - Update #2 (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  47. ^ "National Weather Service issues preliminary report, says 20 homes in Spanish Lakes were 'tossed or flipped'". WPTV. October 14, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  48. ^ a b National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida (October 13, 2024). NWS Damage Survey for St. Lucie/SE Indian River County Tornado Event - Update #2 (Report). National Weather Service. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  49. ^ "'We're all alive, that's what matters': Woman's actions saved lives in St. Lucie tornado". CBS12. October 14, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  50. ^ "6 victims of tornado that hit Spanish Lakes mobile home community identified". NBC Miami. October 15, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  51. ^ "HURRICANE MILTON CAUSES TORNADO HAVOC IN VERO BEACH". Back Road Journal. October 13, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  52. ^ "Photos reveal dramatic aftermath of tornado hitting a solar farm". The Weather Network. October 17, 2024. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  53. ^ "Volunteers and local church members unite to aid tornado victims in St. Lucie County". CW34. October 15, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  54. ^ "St. Lucie County deputies remain outside the Spanish Lakes community where tornado killed 6 people". WPBF. October 12, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  55. ^ "'Let's shine a light': WPTV partners with 7 local businesses to raise money for tornado victims". WPTV-TV. October 15, 2024. Retrieved October 16, 2024.