Tornado Outbreak in Florida: Unprecedented Destruction and Devastation
In the course of one Wednesday afternoon, tornadoes along Florida’s southeast traveled dozens of miles, tossed homes from their foundations, killed six people and left an unknown number of others injured, according to new preliminary reports released by the National Weather Service.
St. Lucie County EF-3 Tornado Killed Six
The most devastating of the tornadoes was an EF-3 that touched down in St. Lucie County, killing six people in the area of Spanish Lakes Country Club Village, a retirement community, and injuring an unknown number more. The report describes it as an "unusually strong, long-tracked tornado" that "produced widespread EF-1 to EF-2 damage, and periodic EF-3 damage."
Palm Beach County Tornado Tore Through Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens
At least three tornadoes, two EF-3s and one EF-1, destroyed communities throughout South Florida on Wednesday. What initially sounded like two separate tornadoes that ravaged neighborhoods in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens was likely one uniquely powerful single storm. An EF-3 with estimated peak winds of 140 mph traveled 21 miles total between the two cities.
Other Tornadoes in Southern Florida
Forecasters also released reports on two other tornadoes in nearby areas, including an EF-1 tornado that began in the Miccosukee Rest Area in Collier County and traveled close to 71 miles. Another tornado that crossed I-75 and headed towards Weston has yet to get a report, and a separate EF-3 began in Moore Haven in Glades County and traveled 9 miles to Brighton Seminole Village.
Dry Air, Heat, and Rotation Contributed to Tornadoes’ Strength
The unusual strength and longevity of the tornadoes is likely due to a combination of weather conditions that all came together at the same time: dry air, warmth from sunshine, and wind shear that causes storms to rotate. "You want good heating, the sun to break out between the clouds, a warm surface, good dry air in mid-levels, enough instability to get these storms to sustain themselves," Hadi explained.
Conclusion
The tornado outbreak in Florida was unprecedented, with reports of six deaths and unknown injuries. The unusual strength and longevity of the tornadoes were due to a combination of weather conditions that came together at the same time. As the National Weather Service continues to survey the damage, it’s likely that more information will become available.
FAQs
Q: How many people were killed in the St. Lucie County EF-3 tornado?
A: Six people were killed.
Q: How many tornadoes were reported in South Florida?
A: At least three tornadoes, two EF-3s and one EF-1, destroyed communities throughout South Florida.
Q: What are the possible reasons for the unusual strength and longevity of the tornadoes?
A: Dry air, warmth from sunshine, and wind shear that causes storms to rotate.
Q: How many people were injured in the tornadoes?
A: An unknown number of people were injured.
Q: How many days will it take to survey the damage from the tornadoes?
A: It will take several days, possibly into next week, for the National Weather Service to survey the damage and release reports.
