Hurricane and Tornadoes in Florida, September 8 to 30, 2017

In coastal portions of Pasco County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be 60-70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total 6.83 inches at the GOES site LWOF1 near Port Richey. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines.

The total damage from Irma in Pasco County was estimated at $860,000 in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, of which, $200,0000 was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Pasco County.

One indirect fatality was reported in Port Richey on the 8th when a 69 year old man evacuating ahead of Irma crashed into a tree.

In inland portions of Lee county, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 77 knots at the ASOS at Southwest Florida International Airport during the late afternoon on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 11.59 inches at a mesonet site at the waste plant on Buckingham Road in Fort Myers. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines, while heavy rain also causing flood damage to many homes. Lee County Emergency Management reported that 92 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 2088 sustained major damage, 1721 had minor damage, and an additional 20426 were affected throughout Lee County.

The total property damage from Irma in Lee County was estimated at $826.28 million in individual damage assessments, of which, $163.14 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Lee County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Lee County was roughly estimated at $9.6 million.

In inland portions of Charlotte County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 9.76 inches at mesonet station at Whidden Properties (WHID) near the eastern border of Charlotte County. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Charlotte County Emergency Management reported that 5 homes or businesses sustained major damage and an additional 200 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Charlotte County.

The total property damage from Irma in Charlotte County was estimated at $43 million, including $3 million in individual assistance claims, and $20 million in public assistance claims including for debris removal and emergency protective measures, and $20 million due to 15 miles of sea wall that collapsed when the tide blew out. An estimated $100,000 of that damage was caused by wind damage in inland portions of Charlotte County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Charlotte County was roughly estimated at $15.9 million.

In coastal portions of Lee county, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 73 knots at the ASOS at Fort Myers Page Field during the late afternoon on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.60 inches at the ASOS at Fort Myers Page Field. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines, while heavy rain also caused flood damage to numerous homes. Lee County Emergency Management reported that 92 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 2088 sustained major damage, 1721 had minor damage, and an additional 20,426 were affected throughout Lee County.

The maximum storm surge was 3.88 feet in Fort Myers at midnight EST on the 11th. Subtracting the astronomical tide of 0.04 feet, the maximum storm tide was calculated from the tide gauge as 3.28 feet MHHW 1436EST on the 11th.

The total damage from Irma in Lee County was estimated at $826.28 million in individual assistance assessments, of which, $163.14 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Lee County.

There was one direct fatality reported in Bonita Springs, when a 74 year old man fell down stairs near his home on the 11th. Due to the hurricane conditions, paramedics were not able to reach him for several hours, and he died on the 16th.

In coastal portions of Charlotte County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 64 knots at the ASOS at Punta Gorda Airport during the early evening on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 8.08 inches at the CoCoRaHS station FL-CH-13 in Port Charlotte. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Charlotte County Emergency Management reported that 5 homes or businesses sustained major damage and an additional 200 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Charlotte County.

The total property damage from Irma in Charlotte County was estimated at $43 million, including $3 million in individual assistance claims, and $20 million in public assistance claims including for debris removal and emergency protective measures, and $20 million due to 15 miles of sea wall that collapsed when the tide blew out. An estimated $2.9 million was caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Charlotte County.

In Highlands County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a (3 second average) gust to 85 knots at Archbold Bio Station during the evening on the 10th. Elsewhere, the AWOS in Sebring registered a 5 second average gust to 75 knots. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.31 inches at the CoCoRaHS station FL-HL-13 in Sebring. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Highlands County Emergency Management reported that 144 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 963 sustained major damage, 2408 had minor damage, and an additional 9623 were affected.

The total property damage from Highlands County was estimated at $360 million in individual assistance claims, most of which was estimated to be caused by wind damage. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Highlands County was roughly estimated at $70 million.

There were four indirect fatalities from Irma in Highlands County. On the 9th, a 55 year old man fell off a ladder in Lake Placid while preparing his home. The man hit his head and died at a Tampa hospital on the 10th. A 56 year old man in Sebring collapsed while trimming trees on the 12th and died. The medical examiner determined that heart disease was the primary cause of death. A 62 year old man was found dead in his garage in Sebring on the 15th with a generator in the on position and out of gas. The medical examiner determined he died of carbon monoxide poisoning. A 23 year old man was electrocuted and died while trimming trees and clearing storm debris in Sebring on the 26th.

In DeSoto County, wind gusts from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 11.34 inches at the CoCoRaHS station FL-DS-1 in Arcadia. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines.

Additional damaged occurred due to the high rain totals causing flooding on the Peace River and the Horse Creek.

The total property damage from DeSoto County is unknown at this time. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in DeSoto County was roughly estimated at $71 million.

In Hardee County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 69 knots at the Hardee County Emergency Operations Center in Wauchula. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.58 inches at a mesonet station in Zolfo Springs. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hardee County Emergency Management reported that 10 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 20 sustained major damage, 71 had minor damage, and an additional 59 were affected.

Additional damage occurred due to the high rain totals causing flooding on the Peace River. An EF-1 tornado was also found to have briefly touched down in Wauchula along US Highway 17 causing roof and power pole damage.

The total property damage from Hardee County was estimated at $3.32 million, of which, $1.64 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Hardee County was roughly estimated at $57.5 million.

In coastal portions of Sarasota County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 70 knots at the home weather station AP859 in Sarasota during the evening on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total of 10.32 inches at the CWOP station C7986 in Laurel. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Sarasota Emergency Management reported that 4 homes sustained major damage, 10 had minor damage, and 438 were affected. The total property damage from Irma in Sarasota County was estimated at $10.73 million, including $2.47 million in individual assistance claims and $8.26 million in public assistance claims.

The total property damage from Irma in Sarasota County was estimated at $262.5 million, including $261.21 million in individual assistance claims and $1.29 million in public assistance claims, of which, $236 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Sarasota County.

In inland portions of Sarasota County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots using surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Sarasota Emergency Management reported that 4 homes sustained major damage, 10 had minor damage, and 438 were affected. The total property damage from Irma in Sarasota County was estimated at $10.73 million, including $2.47 million in individual assistance claims and $8.26 million in public assistance claims.

Roof damage and downed power poles were found in Wauchula along US Highway 17. An NWS storm survey crew had difficulty differentiating tornado damage from the surrounding hurricane damage, but given that the initial damage report was received well before the tropical storm and hurricane force winds arrived, it was determined that a brief tornado more than likely touched down. Time was estimated from radar.

In inland portions of Manatee County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 6.65 inches at the HADS station MKHF1. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Manatee County Emergency Management reported that 14 homes or businesses were destroyed, 170 sustained major damage, 196 had minor damage, and an additional 2061 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Manatee County.

The total property damage from Irma in Manatee County was estimated at $18.3 million in individual assistance claims, of which, $3 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Manatee County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Manatee County was roughly estimated at $23.5 million.

In coastal portions of Manatee County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. The highest wind gust reported in coastal Manatee County was 61 knots at the ASOS at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 6.86 inches at the GOES station LWDF1 in Lake Ward. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Manatee County Emergency Management reported that 14 homes or businesses were destroyed, 170 sustained major damage, 196 had minor damage, and an additional 2061 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Manatee County.

The total damage from Irma in Manatee County was estimated at $18.3 million in individual assistance claims, of which, $15.3 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Manatee County.

One direct fatality was reported in Manatee County when an 89 year old man told his wife he was going out to secure their boat to their dock during the storm and was later found unresponsive in the canal.

In Polk County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 75 knots at the APRS station AR663 near Bartow. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 17.61 inches at the CWOP station E1114 in Davenport. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Most notably, the wind removed a 7 story tall section of facade from the Winter Haven Senior Living Center. Polk County Emergency Management reported that 96 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 1604 sustained major damage, 7710 had minor damage, and an additional 18537 were affected.

The total property damage from Polk County was estimated at $69 million in public assistance claims, including from debris removal and emergency protective measures, most of which coming from wind damage. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Polk County was roughly estimated at $93.5 million.

One tornado was found to have touched down near Old Polk City Road near Lakeland, causing EF2 damage.

Three indirect fatalities were reported in Polk County from Irma. A 7 year old girl died from carbon monoxide poisoning on the 13th in Lakeland due to a gas generator being run indoors. A 63 year old man died in Winterhaven on the 13th while conducting post hurricane work on his home. The medical examiner listed the primary cause of death as heart disease. A 77 year old died in Lakeland on the 17th after he fell at an Assisted Living Facility.

In coastal portions of Hillsborough County, the highest winds reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 79 knots at the WeatherFlow station XEGM at Egmont Key. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 16.18 inches at the CWOP site D3252 in Tampa. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported that 41 homes or businesses were destroyed, 130 sustained major damage, 166 had minor damage, and an additional 93 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Hillsborough County.

The track of Irma resulted in a much stronger negative surge north of the eye, causing extremely low water levels. A couple of manatees got beached in the mud, and there was a lot of media coverage showing people walking out into the dry part of the bay to rescue them. No significant damage was reported from either the negative surge or the weak positive surge.

The total damage from Irma in Hillsborough County was estimated at $19.95 million, including $17.86 million in individual assistance claims and $2.09 million in public assistance claims, of which, $7 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Hillsborough County.

Three indirect fatalities were reported in Hillsborough County from Hurricane Irma. A 55 year old man in Town N' Country was trimming a damaged tree with a chainsaw when a branch fell on the chainsaw, causing it to kick upward and strike him in the neck. A 60 year old man fell from a ladder in Tampa while cutting branches and died on the 14th. A 61 year old man also died on the 14th while cleaning up yard debris when a branch knocked the ladder out from under him, causing him to fall to the ground.

In inland portions of Hillsborough County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60-70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total 7.62 inches at the COOP site PLCF1 in Plant City. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported that 41 homes or businesses were destroyed, 130 sustained major damage, 166 had minor damage, and an additional 93 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Hillsborough County.

Heavy rains across the area also resulted in widespread river flooding, with rising water levels damaging houses on the Hillsborough River, the Alafia River, and the Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County.

The total damage from Irma in Hillsborough County was estimated at $19.95 million, including $17.86 million in individual assistance claims and $2.09 million in public assistance claims, of which, $6.95 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Hillsborough County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Hillsborough County was roughly estimated at $28.5 million.

An NWS storm survey crew found 7 wood power poles snapped halfway up along Old Polk City Road, hinting at a strong rotation just aloft of the surface. Winds were estimated at 115 MPH/EF-2. Timing of the tornado touchdown was estimated from radar.

In Pinellas County, the highest winds reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 77 knots at Pier 60 Park. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total 5.98 inches at the the GOES station BTRF1 in Tarpon Springs. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Pinellas County Emergency Management reported that 77 homes or businesses were destroyed, 533 sustained major damage, 5761 had minor damage, and an additional 11,935 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Pinellas County.

The track of Irma resulted in a much stronger negative surge north of the eye, causing extremely low water levels in the Tampa Bay. No significant damage was reported from either the negative surge or the weak positive surge.

The total damage from Irma in Pinellas County was estimated at $594.45 million, including $588.08 million in individual assistance claims and $6.37 million in public assistance claims, most of which was caused by wind damage.

One indirect fatality was reported in Pinellas County from Hurricane Irma. A 53 year old man was repairing cable lines in Feather Sound on the 16th when he fell 20 feet from a ladder. The medical examiner ruled that heart disease was a contributing factor.

County emergency management reported that sea walls collapsed when water left the Charlotte Harbor during the negative storm surge ahead of the storm, causing an estimated $20 million in damage. Timing was estimated by using the nearby tide gauge in Fort Myers, where the negative surge bottomed out at around -4 feet MLLW at around 1800EST on the 10th, then surged to a positive surge of just over 3 feet at about 0500EST on the 11th, before slowly receding through the rest of the day.

Charlotte county emergency management reported that the negative surge caused sea walls to collapse, causing an estimated $20 million in public assistance claims.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Little Manatee River at Wimauma to rise above flood stage on the 10th, with flooding continuing through the 16th. The water level crested at 17.69 feet on the 12th, 0.69 feet above the major flooding threshold.

The flood waters entered several mobile homes on 32nd and 33rd streets in Ruskin. Flood damage to homes was estimated at $2 million.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Peace River at Arcadia to rise above flood stage on the 10th, with flooding continuing through the 28th. The water level crested at 19.20 feet on the 15th, 3.20 feet above the major flooding threshold. This marks the third highest crest in history for the Peace River at Zolfo Springs.

On the nearby Horse Creek, flooding began on the 10th at the river gage near Arcadia, and continued through the 22nd. The water level crested at 17.07 feet on the 11th, 1.07 feet above the major flood stage. This marks the 5th highest flood stage on record for the Horse Creek near Arcadia.

The waters were reported to have flooded homes in the River Acres neighborhood, as well as the Peace River Campground. The flood damage cost is unknown, but was guessed to be around $1 million.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma on the 10th and 11th cause water levels to rise on the Imperial River in southern Lee county to rise, resulting in flooding of hundreds of homes in Imperial Bonita Estates and the surrounding areas.

Flood damage from Irma in Lee County was roughly estimated at $500 million.

In Inland Pasco County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40-60 knots, with the highest wind reported was a gust to 48 knots at the WeatherFlow station XLOL in Land O' Lakes. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 9.64 inches at the GOES station WRCF1 in Richland. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines.

The non-insured property damage in Pasco County was estimated at $10,303,487, including for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Pasco County was roughly estimated at $7.3 million.

In Sumter County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40-60 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 53 knots at the CWOP station D5322 in The Villages. Rainfall was generally around 8 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 11.34 inches at a mesonet station in Compressco. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Sumter County Emergency Management reported that 5 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 27 sustained major damage, and 688 had minor damage.

The total damage in Sumter County was estimated at $19 million, which included $5 million in individual assistance claims, and $14 million in public assistance claims including debris removal and emergency protective measures.

In coastal portions of Hernando County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 36 knots at the WeatherFlow station XWKI in Weeki Wachee. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.31 inches at a mesonet station near the Withlacoochee River at Trilby. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hernando County Emergency Management reported that 26 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 45 sustained major damage, 103 had minor damage, and an additional 112 were affected.

The total damage from Hernando County was estimated at $6.1 million, including $800,000 in individual assistance claims, and $5.3 million in public assistance claims. Roughly $500,000 of that was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Hernando County.

In inland portions of Hernando County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hernando County Emergency Management reported that 26 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 45 sustained major damage, 103 had minor damage, and an additional 112 were affected throughout the county.

The total property damage in Hernando County was estimated at $6.1 million, including $800,000 in individual assistance claims and $5.3 million in public assistance claims. Roughly $600,000 of that was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Hernando County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Hernando County was roughly estimated at $600,000.

In inland portions of Citrus County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40-60 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 56 knots at the CWOP station D1496 in Beverly Hills. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 18.65 inches at the CWOP station D1496 in Beverly Hills. The wind resulted knocked over numerous trees and power lines.

The total damage from Hurricane Irma in Citrus County was estimated at $5.9 million in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, roughly half of which was estimated to be for wind damage in inland Citrus County.

In coastal portions of Citrus County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40 to 60 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater. The wind knocked over numerous trees and power lines throughout the county.

The total damage from Hurricane Irma in Citrus County was estimated at $5.9 million in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, roughly half of which was estimated to be for wind damage in coastal Citrus County.

In inland portions of Levy County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 7.92 inches at the CoCoRaHS site FL-LV-9 in Chiefland. The wind knocked down numerous trees and power lines.

The total damage in Levy County was estimated at $260,000 in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, half of which was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland Levy County.

In coastal portions of Levy County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 48 knots at the RAWS station SWNF1 near Yellow Jacket. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 6.33 inches at a mesonet station in Yankeetown. The wind knocked down trees and power lines throughout the county.

The total damage in Levy County was estimated at $260,000 in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, half of which was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal Levy County.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Withlacoochee River at Trilby to rise above flood stage on the 11th, with flooding continuing through the rest of the month. The water level crested at 17.67 feet on September 21st, 1.17 feet above the major flooding threshold. This marks the 5th highest river crest on record for the Withlacoochee River at Trilby.

Farther upstream on the Withlacoochee River, flooding begin at Croom on the 13th and continued through the rest of the month. The river level crested at 11.27 feet on the 22nd, 0.47 feet above the moderate flood stage.

The flood waters entered numerous homes, with Hernando County reporting that 4000 residents were impacted by the flooding. Flood damage to homes was estimated at $5 million.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Anclote River at Elfers to rise above flood stage on the 11th, with flooding continuing through the 18th. The water level crested at 24.87 feet on the 12th, 0.87 feet above the major flooding threshold.

The flood waters entered several homes in the Anclote River Estates and Anclote River Acres neighborhoods. Flood damage to homes was estimated at $460,000.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Alafia River at Lithia to rise above flood stage on the 11th, with flooding continuing through the 18th. The water level crested at 22.79 feet on the 12th, 3.79 feet above the major flooding threshold. This marks the 5th highest crest in history for the Alafia River at Lithia.

The flood waters entered several homes in near Lithia Pinecrest Road. Flood damage to homes was estimated at $2 million.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Peace River at Zolfo Springs to rise above flood stage on the 12th, with flooding continuing through the 24th. The water level crested at 23.85 feet on the 13th, 1.85 feet above the major flooding threshold. This marks the third highest crest in history for the Peace River at Zolfo Springs.

The waters were reported to have flooded the Little Charlie Creek RV Park near Wauchula. Flood damage to homes was estimated at $1.64 million.

Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge to rise above flood stage on the 12th, with flooding continuing through the 20th. The water level crested at 34.66 feet on the 14th, 0.66 feet above the moderate flooding threshold. This marks the highest crest in history for the Hillsborough River at Morris Bridge.

The flood waters entered mobile homes in the Pine Ridge Estates neighborhood. Flood damage to homes was estimated at $2 million.