Tornado in Florida, January 3, 1996

A squall line from the Gulf of Mexico moved inland across the south Florida Peninsula. A bow echo developed along the squall line as it approached the western suburbs of Miami, and a tornado formed in conjuction with the bow echo. The tornado first touched down near S.W. 96 Street and 144 Avenue, knocking down a small tree. The tornado's path was intermittent for the first three and one-half miles then became continuous from S.W. 67 Street and 123 Avenue to where it lifted, on the north side of S.W. 24 Street and 93 Court. From its initial touchdown until it crossed Westwood Lake, intensity was rated as F0, with minor roof damage and downed trees and fences. Near S.W. 42 Street and 108 Avenue, the tornado intensified to a strong category F1, with wind gusts estimated around 110 mph, and it maintained this intensity until lifting. Throughout its lifetime, the tornado moved on a northeast track at a forward speed of 35 mph. Along the F1 portion of the track, nine persons were injured, three requiring hospitalization. Two of the more serious injuries occurred when the victim's cars were rolled. Major damage occurred to 26 buildings, mostly residences, but two churches, a lumber yard and a strip shopping center also sustained damaged. Another 50 buildings sustained minor damage. Six vehicles were overturned or blown several yards. Power lines were blown down leaving 20,000 users without electricity for up to 12 hours.