Introduction to the Tornado Event
An EF-2 tornado was confirmed to have touched down north of Orlando, along Interstate 4, on Monday, according to NBC affiliate WESH.
The twister had peak winds of 120 mph, and touched down at around 9:30 a.m. in the Longwood/Lake Mary area, a city about 19 miles north of Orlando, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported.
Tornado Classification and Frequency
While tornadoes are not uncommon in Central Florida, the vast majority are weak.
Only about 10 percent of tornadoes in that area are categorized EF-2 or EF-3, which have winds of 111 to 165 mph.
The rest are considered EF-0 or EF-1, which have winds of 65 to 110 mph.
South Florida Forecast
Current Weather Conditions
South Florida is not currently under any severe weather threat. Monday evening saw a wind advisory in effect until 8 p.m. for both Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
A small craft advisory is in effect until 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Temperature and Wind Forecast
Temperatures early Tuesday are coming in more than 10 degrees cooler than Monday morning. This is pushing the mercury into the upper-50s in some spots.
Afternoon numbers will rebound and end up in the upper-70s, which is still a touch below average for this time of the year. A pleasant breeze between 10-15 mph tops is also in the forecast Tuesday, but it won’t be anything like Monday’s gusty evening.
Conclusion
The recent EF-2 tornado near Orlando serves as a reminder of the potential for severe weather in Central Florida. Although the majority of tornadoes in the area are weak, it’s essential for residents to stay informed about weather conditions and follow forecasts to ensure their safety.
FAQs
- Q: What was the peak wind speed of the tornado?
A: The peak wind speed of the tornado was 120 mph. - Q: Where did the tornado touch down?
A: The tornado touched down in the Longwood/Lake Mary area, about 19 miles north of Orlando. - Q: Is South Florida under any severe weather threat?
A: No, South Florida is not currently under any severe weather threat. - Q: What is the temperature forecast for Tuesday?
A: Temperatures are expected to be in the upper-50s in the morning and rebound to the upper-70s in the afternoon.
