Tornadoes and Tropical Storm in Florida, September 10 to 11, 2017

Prior to the direct impacts from approaching Hurricane Irma, rain bands streamed onshore from the Atlantic and produced between 6 and 11 inches of rain in less than 4 hours during the very early morning hours, affecting much of Ft. Pierce. A Weather Underground site measured 10.46 inches. Numerous roadways quickly flooded and became impassible, with nearly 4 feet of standing water in front of the Ft. Pierce Police Station on US Highway 1. Water breached several homes, including on El Rancho Drive and near 25th Street and Virginia Avenue. One family needed to be rescued from their flooded home due to rising water.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 95 miles west of Ft. Pierce. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across St. Lucie County, with a period of frequent gusts to hurricane force. The highest sustained wind was measured at the Treasure Coast International Airport in Ft. Pierce (71 mph from the southeast at 1806LST on September 10) and the peak gust was 100 mph from the southeast at 1804LST at the St. Lucie Power Plant on Hutchinson Island. Total estimated damage to residential and business structures as well as beach erosion and mosquito impoundments was $62 million. Damage generally involved roof shingles/tiles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. A few houses, condos and businesses lost portions of their roofs, primarily along the coast, with additional damage due to water intrusion. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped. A total of 150,000 homes and businesses lost power. A total of 2,365 residents evacuated to shelters within the county. There was one indirect hurricane-related fatality when a 52-year old man driving north on Interstate 95 during heavy rain and tropical storm force gusts veered into a street lamp. The car overturned in standing water and the man drowned.

Based on a NWS storm survey, a waterspout moved onshore Melbourne Beach near Avenue B, causing minor damage to the second floor of two homes. The brief EF-0 tornado with winds estimated at 70 to 80 mph continued inland and dissipated just west of Highway A1A. DI2, DOD2, LB-EXP.

Based on a NWS storm survey, a waterspout that developed on the Indian River moved onshore and damaged several residences on Worth Court in Palm Bay, including a waterfront home whose second floor was removed and carried downwind. The EF-1 tornado (estimated 100 to 110 mph) continued across US-1, causing minor roof damage to a university building. The tornado then impacted over a dozen mobile homes within Palm Bay Estates, several of which were heavily damaged or destroyed. The tornado continued west, just to the north of Turkey Creek, damaging many trees and several additional homes before moving through a school campus before dissipating near the Harris Corporation. DI2, DOD6, LB-EXP.

As Hurricane Irma moved northward over west-central Florida, the St. Lucie County beaches experienced moderate to major erosion and wave run-up due to an estimated 2-3 foot storm surge. Similar water level rises occurred within the intracoastal waterway, which combined with wave action to produce mostly minor damage to docks, primarily along the western shores of the river.

A NWS storm survey revealed that a waterspout moved onshore the barrier island in Indialantic near Highway A1A and 1st Avenue. The EF-1 tornado (winds estimated 90-100 mph) removed part of the roof of a beachfront condo and carried it across the highway, where it landed on a bank. The tornado then weakened as it traveled west-northwest, producing damage to trees and roof shingles and soffits of several homes along a narrow path across the barrier island, exiting to the Indian River near Cedar Lane and West Riveria Boulevard. DI5, DOD3, LB.

As Hurricane Irma moved northward over west-central Florida, the Martin County beaches experienced moderate to major erosion and wave run-up due to an estimated 2-3 foot storm surge. Similar water level rises occurred within the intracoastal waterway, which combined with wave action to produce mostly minor damage to docks, primarily along the western shores of the river.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 100 miles west of Stuart. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Martin County, with a period of gusts to minimal hurricane force. The highest measured sustained wind was recorded by a WeatherFlow site at Jensen Beach (55 mph from the southeast at 1845LST on September 10) and the highest measured peak gust was 75 mph at 1655LST. A preliminary damage assessment from the county listed 180 affected structures, with an additional 192 with minor damage, 8 with major damage and 1 destroyed. The total estimated damage cost was $4.3 million. Damage generally involved roof shingles/tiles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Many trees were uprooted or snapped.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 95 miles west of Vero Beach. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Indian River County, with a period of gusts to hurricane force. A preliminary report indicated 72 structures with minor damage and 6 with major damage. The total estimated damage cost was $1.5 million. Damage generally involved roof shingles/tiles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. A few houses, condos and businesses lost portions of their roofs, primarily along the coast, with additional damage due to water intrusion. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening and overnight while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 95 miles west of Melbourne. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Brevard County, with a period of frequent gusts to hurricane force (especially near the coast). The highest sustained wind was measured at WeatherFlow site in Melbourne Shores (64 mph from the southeast at 2225LST on September 10) and the peak gust was 94 mph from the southeast at 2040LST at a WeatherFlow site located along the Banana River at State Road 528. A preliminary report indicated 7,132 homes sustained damage, including 400 with major damage and 45 destroyed. The initial property damage estimate was $30 Million. Damage generally involved roof shingles/tiles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Several houses, condos and businesses lost portions of their roofs, primarily along the coast, with additional damage due to water intrusion. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped and many gas station awnings along the coast were toppled. Florida Power and Light reported 100 percent of customers within the county lost power during the hurricane. A total of 3,667 residents evacuated to shelters within the county.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the overnight period while weakening to a Category 1 hurricane approximately 100 miles west of Daytona Beach. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Volusia County, with a period of frequent gusts to hurricane force (especially near the coast). The highest sustained wind was measured at a WeatherFlow site in Daytona Beach (70 mph from the southeast at 2224LST on September 10) and the peak gust was 82 mph from the southeast at 2224LST at a WeatherFlow site located in New Smyrna Beach. A preliminary report indicated 4,811 residences and businesses sustained damage, with 3,457 affected, 1,003 with minor damage, 329 with major damage and 21 destroyed. The initial property damage estimate was $332 Million. Damage generally involved roof shingles/tiles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Several houses, condos and businesses lost portions of their roofs, primarily along the coast, with additional damage due to water intrusion. Hundreds of trees were uprooted or snapped and many gas station awnings along the coast were toppled. There was one indirect hurricane-related fatality when a 34-year old woman who was sleeping in her residence with a generator running in the kitchen died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 60 miles west of Okeechobee. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Okeechobee County, with a period of gusts to minimal hurricane force. The highest measured sustained wind was recorded at the Okeechobee Airport ASOS (KOBE; 46 mph from the southeast at 2215LST on September 10) and the highest measured peak gust was 71 mph at 2035LST. A preliminary damage assessment from the county listed 585 affected residential structures, with an additional 239 with minor damage, 99 with major damage and 8 destroyed. The total estimated damage cost was $157 million. Damage occurred primarily to roof shingles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Mobile homes experienced more extensive structural damage. Many trees were uprooted or snapped.

Based on a NWS storm survey, a tornado developed just west of the intersection of Brockett Road and Hammock Road in Mims. The tornado snapped many trees and partially removed the roof from a mobile home on Brockett Road (strong EF-1 strength), then moved through a wooded area before reaching near the north end of Nab Street and the east end of Benson Court. A pickup truck near the corner of Benson Court and Lisa Drive rolled about 30 feet west into the fence of an adjacent yard. The tornado strengthened to EF-2 intensity with estimated wind speeds of 115 to 125 mph as it affected homes on Kilbee Street, Turnbull Road, and Brevard Road. Numerous homes were impacted and several were left uninhabitable due to severe roof damage. A number of trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado continued west northwest across Old Dixie Highway. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing US Highway 1 near Roosevelt Road. DI2, DOD6, EXP. DI27, DOD4, EXP.

Based on a NWS storm survey, an EF-1 tornado, with estimated wind speeds between 90 to 95 mph, snapped and uprooted several trees as it developed near Old Dixie Highway in Mims. The tornado continued across US Highway 1 and the northern portion of the Northgate Mobile Home and RV Park, damaging over a dozen homes, several of which experienced partial roof removal. In addition, several power poles snapped in the development and one landed on a home. The tornado also rolled several unoccupied RV's onto to their sides, which were being stored in a parking lot between US Highway 1 and the mobile home park. DI28, DOD3, EXP; DI24, DOD4, LB; DI3, DOD3, EXP.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 50 miles west of Kissimmee. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Osceola County, with a period of gusts to minimal hurricane force. The highest measured sustained wind was recorded at the Okeechobee Airport ASOS (KISM; 44 mph from the southeast at 1849LST on September 10) and the highest measured peak gust was 73 mph at a Poinciana WeatherStem site at 2013LST. A preliminary damage assessment from the county listed 183 affected residential and business structures, with an additional 3,934 with minor damage, 95 with major damage and 23 destroyed. The total estimated damage cost was $100 million. Damage occurred primarily to roof shingles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Mobile homes experienced more extensive structural damage. Many trees were uprooted or snapped.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the evening and overnight while weakening to a Category 2 hurricane approximately 60 miles west of Orlando. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Orange County, with a period of gusts to minimal hurricane force. The highest measured sustained wind was recorded at the Orlando International Airport ASOS (KMCO; 59 mph from the east at 0019LST on September 11) and the highest measured peak gust was 79 mph from the northeast at 1744LST on September 10. A peak wind gust of 91 mph was recorded at the top of the Disney Contemporary Resort in Orlando (106 feet above ground level) at 1950LST on September 10. The total estimated damage cost was $110 million. Damage occurred primarily to roof shingles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped, some falling onto homes resulting in additional structural damage. There were 6 fatalities indirectly related to Hurricane Irma, one resulting from an vehicle accident during heavy rain and strong winds, two due to electrocutions (downed power line and on ladder trimming trees during clean-up when ladder touch a power line) and three from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with a generator running in a laundry room.

A NWS storm survey revealed an EF-1 tornado with estimated wind speeds between 95 and 100 mph developed near East 8th Avenue in Umatilla, uprooting and snapping several trees in an open field. The tornado moved toward a residential neighborhood between East 8th Avenue and East Collins Street and peeled back the roofs from several homes and uprooted numerous trees. Damage continued into North Lake Community Park where a scoreboard was toppled and three power poles were snapped. The tornado moved across Lake Pearl and into the Olde Mill RV resort where it destroyed approximately ten recreational vehicles and damaged at least 25 others. The tornado continued west toward downtown Umatilla and damaged the roofs of the Umatilla Inn, an elementary school, and a home on Babb Road. DI24, DOD4, LB-EXP; DI28, DOD4, LB-EXP; DI3, DOD7, LB.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the overnight period while weakening to a Category 1 hurricane approximately 80 miles west of Sanford. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Seminole County, with a period of gusts to minimal hurricane force. The highest measured sustained wind was recorded at the Orlando/Sanford Airport ASOS (KSFB; 55 mph from the southeast at 0151LST on September 11) and the highest measured peak gust was 75 mph from the southeast at 0231LST. A preliminary damage assessment from the county listed 5,130 affected residential and business structures, with an additional 762 with minor damage, 180 with major damage and 25 destroyed. A total of 1,333 homes/businesses were inaccessible due to high water. The total residential/business estimated damage cost was $543.2 million. Damage occurred primarily to roof shingles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Numerous trees were uprooted or snapped, some falling onto homes resulting in additional structural damage. There was one indirect hurricane-related fatality; a man died after falling from a ladder while cleaning up debris after the storm.

Category 3 Hurricane Irma made landfall near Naples during the late afternoon of September 10. Irma then moved northward across west-central Florida during the overnight period while weakening to a Category 1 hurricane approximately 45 miles west of Leesburg. A long duration of damaging winds occurred across Lake County, with a period of gusts to minimal hurricane force. The highest measured sustained wind was recorded at the Leesburg Airport ASOS (KLEE; 48 mph from the southeast at 0235LST on September 11) and the highest measured peak gust was 69 mph from the southeast at 0246LST. A preliminary damage assessment from the county listed 1,987 affected residential and business structures, with an additional 648 with minor damage, 82 with major damage and 7 destroyed. The total residential/business estimated damage cost was $36.5 million. Damage occurred primarily to roof shingles, soffits, awnings, and pool enclosures. Mobile homes experienced more extensive structural damage. Many trees were uprooted or snapped. There was one indirect hurricane-related fatality; an elderly man died after falling and hitting his head while at a hurricane evacuation shelter. A total of 4,413 residents evacuated to shelters within the county.

As Hurricane Irma moved northward over west-central Florida, the Indian River County beaches experienced moderate to major erosion and wave run-up due to an estimated 2-3 foot storm surge. Similar water level rises occurred within the intracoastal waterway, which combined with wave action to produce mostly minor damage to docks, primarily along the western shores of the river.

As Hurricane Irma moved northward over west-central Florida, the Brevard County beaches experienced moderate to major erosion and wave run-up due to an estimated 2-4 foot storm surge. Similar water level rises occurred within the Indian River Lagoon, which combined with wave action to produce areas of moderate to major damage to docks and boathouses, primarily along the western shores of the rivers.

Excessive rainfall from Hurricane Irma produced flash flooding in Fellsmere. Indian River County Sheriffs and Fellsmere Police rescued 12 people from flood waters and transported them in a high-water vehicle to the nearby Fellsmere Elementary School evacuation shelter, which was also surrounded by high water and impassible.

As Hurricane Irma moved northward over west-central Florida, the Volusia County beaches experienced moderate to major erosion and wave run-up due to an estimated 3-4 foot storm surge. Similar water level rises occurred within the Indian River Lagoon, which combined with wave action to produce areas of moderate to major damage to docks and boathouses, primarily along the western shores of the rivers.

Based on a NWS storm survey, a waterspout moved onshore from the Halifax River near Dix Avenue and North Beach Street in Ormond Beach, causing tree damage and minor siding and shingle damage to a few two story homes. The tornado continued inland and produced strong EF-1 damage (estimated 100 to 110 mph) to several homes and trees near the intersection of Hernandez Avenue, North Ridgewood Avenue and Rosewood Avenue. Several homes sustained major roof damage. The tornado then downed trees and produced debris impact at the Ormond Beach Fire Station 93 and damaging the roofs of two commercial buildings near US Highway 1 and Wilmette Avenue. The tornado dissipated just west of US Highway 1. DI2, DOD6, LB-EXP.

Based on a NWS storm survey, a waterspout moved onshore from the Atlantic and caused tornado damage as it continued across the barrier island, affecting Patrick Air Force Base. The EF-1 tornado (estimated 85 to 95 mph) removed the roof from a small building east of Highway A1A, then produced minor to moderate damage to several storage buildings, mainly in the form of partial loss of roof coverings and broken glass in some east and north facing windows. Several, large steel CONEX storage containers within the tornado path were rolled 100+ feet downwind (northwest). Damage also occurred to antennas mounted on free standing towers and to some small trees and shrubs. The tornado then weakened as it approached the Banana River. DOD23, DI2, EXP-UB; DOD25, DI1, EXP.

A NWS storm survey confirmed that a waterspout moved onshore along Rockledge Drive near River Woods Drive in Rockledge and produced EF-1 tornado damage (winds estimated 95-105 mph) along a short track. Approximately six homes sustained significant roof damage and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. A portion of one roof was removed and at least one other home had a portion of its metal roof peeled back. Several homes adjacent to the area of most significant damage also experienced a lesser degree of shingle damage. At least one screen patio was destroyed, several others were damaged and some fences were blown over and carried downwind. DI2, DOD4, EXP; DI27, DOD4, EXP.

A NWS storm survey confirmed that a tornado formed on North Merritt Island within or southeast of The Savannahs subdivision, producing strong EF-1 damage (winds estimated 100-110 mph) to numerous homes on Savannahs Trail. Over a dozen homes sustained significant shingle damage and approximately six pool screen enclosures were destroyed. Numerous trees were snapped. The tornado continued northwest and crossed East Hall Road near Leilani Lane, producing tree and minor roof damage to a few homes. The tornado then traveled through the southern portion of the Island Lakes Mobile Home Park at EF-1 strength (estimated winds of 95 to 105 mph) and impacted over 25 mobile homes. Several mobile homes were destroyed and many others sustained moderate to major damage (the neighborhood was nearly completed evacuated for Hurricane Irma). The tornado then weakened, but toppled the steeple at the Orsino Baptist Church, after crossing North Courtney Boulevard. Tree damage and minor roof damage occurred along the remainder of the path until the Indian River was reached. DI2, DOD4, EXP; DI3, DOD6, LB-EXP; DI24, DOD4, LB.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 12 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Many roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed, especially across the inland portions of the county.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 15 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Numerous roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed. See the separate entry for the more serious (flash) flooding which impacted portions of Port St. John, north Merritt Island and Rockledge.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 15 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding, especially across the southern portion of the county. Numerous roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed. See the separate entry for the more significant (flash) flooding which affected the Fellsmere area.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 12 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Many roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed. More significant (flash) flooding occurred farther north across the county, including Ft. Pierce (see separate flash flood entry).

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 14 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Many roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts occurred over the northeast portion of the county, in the Ft. Drum area.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 12 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Numerous roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 7 and 18 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Numerous roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed. The highest rain totals occurred over the northern portion of the county, however the most significant impacts occurred within Orlo Vista. Heavy rain and associated run-off caused Lake Venus and two adjacent retention ponds to gradually overflow, flooding several hundred homes within the surrounding community. Over 200 residents were rescued by National Guard and Orange County Fire Rescue personnel as rising water began to enter their homes during the early morning hours of September 11. Two-to-three feet of water reportedly breached some homes adjacent to the lake and ponds. This area in a 10-year floodplain.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 10 and 13 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Numerous roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed. The most impacted areas occurred within Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Longwood and Sanford.

Rainbands associated with Hurricane Irma produced rainfall totals between 8 and 12 inches, resulting in areas of urban and poor drainage flooding. Numerous roadways were impacted by significant levels of standing water and many retention ponds reached capacity or overflowed.

Flash flooding affected many locations within central and north Brevard County due to 8-12 inches of rain with isolated totals up to 15 inches which occurred in 12-18 hours. Heavy rain which fell during the morning and afternoon set the stage for flash flooding during the evening when several additional inches of rain occurred. US Highway 1 at Fay Boulevard in Port St. John became impassable, as did portions of North Courtney Parkway near the 3100 block, and at/on Hall Road, West Cristafulli Road, Horseshoe Bend and Lucas Road in north Merritt Island. South Courtney Parkway at Cone Road also became impassible and water was reported up to mailboxes in Rockledge. Many areas experienced standing water at/above 3 feet above ground level and water approached or entered several homes.