Tornado and Hail in Florida, April 20, 2020

Name: Tornado and Hail in Florida, April 20, 2020
Start: 2020-04-20T09:55
End: 2020-04-20T16:30
Location: Florida

April 20, 2020 · NWS MLB · 7 events in 3 counties and zones

As a broken line of severe thunderstorms moved through Seminole County, one storm produced a brief wasterspout/tornado on and near Lake Jesup. A second thunderstorm produced damaging winds in Volusia County, while a third thunderstorm produced damaging winds and hail in Martin County.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 7

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS MLB wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Melbourne, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Apr 20, 8:04 AM EST, 1 hour 51 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 20, 8:04 AM EST, 1 hour 51 minutes before

East Central Florida Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
904 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

.DISCUSSION...

...Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Most of Central Florida Until 3
PM...

Today...Stronger storms are poised to enter the forecast area from
the north and west over the next couple hours. Isolated severe
storms could develop, with locally damaging winds and hail possible,
along with an isolated tornado. Windy ahead of the front with a
period of time for surface heating creating some additional
instability into the afternoon.

By late morning to early afternoon rain chances increase all the way
down to the Space Coast as the main frontal boundary moves into our
area. Scattered to numerous showers possible with embedded
stronger lightning storms.

Abundant moisture with dew points in the upper 60s/low 70s and very
strong diurnal heating contribute to MLCAPE values up to 2000 J/kg.
Hodographs are mostly mostly unidirectional and straight-lined. The
biggest question mark is going to be forcing for convective
initiation as the main upper trough departs the area and the front
flattens out/weakens and slows once it reaches the I-4 corridor.

Environmental conditions are favorable for isolated severe storms,
with the main threat of damaging wind gusts, hail up to quarter
size, and deadly lightning strikes. The threat is greatest in
the watch area, from Brevard/Osceola Counties north.

A Lake Wind Advisory is in place for sustained southwest winds 20-25
mph with gusts up to 35mph into late afternoon. This also drives up
afternoon temperatures to record values in some areas.

Tonight...As previously mentioned, model guidance shows the
weakening frontal boundary slowing down between the Cape and
Treasure Coast. Scattered showers and isolated lightning storms
linger into the evening hours. Though, there is considerable
uncertainty regarding how many storms will actually materialize
due to weak convergence along the front. As the front sags south
through the overnight, isolated to scattered showers possible from
Sebastian south. Again, there is high uncertainty with this
forecast as rain chances could be much less if front fizzles by
late evening. Winds decrease to 5-10mph after sunset and veer
west/northwest. Overnight lows in the low/mid 60s, except upper
60s in Martin County.

&&

.AVIATION...
Windy today, sustained southwest winds 20 knots and gusts up to 30
knots possible through the afternoon. A cold front moves in this
morning, bringing showers and some strong lightning storms. Highest
confidence in storm impacts at KDAB/KMCO/KSFB/KISM, with possible
early afternoon storms approaching KTIX/KMLB but confidence is lower.

&&

.MARINE...
Today...Hazardous boating conditions today as a cold front
approaches the area, increasing the pressure gradient over all east
central Florida waters. This results in southwest winds 20-25 knots
with higher gusts. Seas 3-5 feet nearshore and 5-6 feet offshore.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for all waters through 8
PM tonight. A few strong to severe storms possible from late
morning into the early afternoon. Main threats will be wind gusts
in excess of 40 knots, hail, and dangerous lightning strikes.

Tonight...The cold front weakens as it moves south of the Cape this
evening, winds diminish to 15-20 knots and seas drop to 3-4 feet
nearshore and 4-6 feet offshore. Small craft still need to exercise
caution tonight. Scattered showers and lingering lightning storms
possible from Sebastian Inlet south.

&&

.CLIMATE...
Record highs for April 20th at a few sites.

                    RECORD
            DATE     HIGH
Melbourne   20-APR  91 1944
Vero Beach  20-APR  90 1968
Fort Pierce 20-APR  92 1968

&&

.MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Severe thunderstorm watch for Coastal
     Volusia-Inland Volusia-Northern Brevard-
     Northern Lake-Orange-Osceola-Seminole-Southern
     Brevard-Southern Lake-until 3 PM EDT.

     Lake Wind Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for Coastal
     Volusia-Indian River-Inland Volusia-Martin-Northern Brevard-
     Northern Lake-Okeechobee-Orange-Osceola-Seminole-Southern
     Brevard-Southern Lake-St. Lucie.

AM...Severe thunderstorm watch Flagler
     Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Volusia-Brevard
     County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20 nm-until 3 PM EDT.
     Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for Flagler
     Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Flagler Beach
     to Volusia-Brevard County Line 20-60 nm-Sebastian Inlet to
     Jupiter Inlet 0-20 nm-Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 20-
     60 nm-Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20
     nm-Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 20-60 nm.

&&

JP/TES/KN/MW

Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 20, 6:32 AM EST, 3 hours 23 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
732 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

AMZ550-552-555-570-572-575-FLZ041-044>047-053-054-058-059-064-141-
144-147-202200-
Flagler Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Volusia-
Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20 nm-
Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 0-20 nm-Flagler Beach to Volusia-
Brevard County Line 20-60 nm-Volusia-
Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 20-60 nm-
Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 20-60 nm-Inland Volusia-
Northern Lake-Orange-Seminole-Southern Brevard-Osceola-
Indian River-Okeechobee-St. Lucie-Martin-Coastal Volusia-
Southern Lake-Northern Brevard-
732 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR MOST OF CENTRAL FLORIDA THROUGH
3 PM...

.THUNDERSTORM IMPACT...
Numerous fast moving showers and strong lightning storms will move
eastward across east central Florida. Deadly lightning strikes
and potentially damaging wind gusts, along with a brief tornado
will be a threat within any strong to possibly severe storms
which may develop. Damaging winds up to 60 mph, and hail up to
quarter size. A brief tornado is possible within any cell which
may acquire rotation. The greatest risk for any severe storms will
be from Brevard and Osceola counties northward.

.FLOOD IMPACT...
Locally heavy rainfall of a half to one inch will be possible in
a brief period, leading to some nuisance flooding of low spots and
roadways.

.RIP CURRENT IMPACT...
There is a moderate risk of rip currents at all east central
Florida beaches today, mainly due to an increasing short period
swell. While dangerous rip currents will be present all day, the
risk will be greatest from 10 AM to 4 PM due to tidal effects.
Swim only within sight of a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is present,
don't enter the surf. Be aware that beach closures remain in
effect for some communities.

.MARINE THUNDERSTORM GUST IMPACT...
Scattered strong lightning storms will push offshore during the
day. As these storms cross the coast and nearshore waters most
will be capable of wind gusts in excess of 35 knots. If a severe
storm develops, there is a chance of wind gusts up to 50 knots.

.WATERSPOUT IMPACT...
A brief waterspout is possible within any cell which may acquire
rotation.

.WIND AND SEA IMPACT...
Southwest winds up to 20 knots over the nearshore waters, and 20
to 25 knots with higher gusts over the offshore waters. A Small
Craft Advisory is in effect for all local waters through 8 PM.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.
Drier weather is expected during mid week before a chance for
storms returns late in the week. A Moderate risk of rip currents
is expected at all east central Florida beaches through mid week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC
guidelines.

KR/JP

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 20, 8:41 AM EST, 1 hour 14 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
941 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

FLZ041-044-141-201445-
Northern Lake County FL-Coastal Volusia FL-Inland Volusia FL-
941 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL AND NORTH LAKE AND
VOLUSIA COUNTIES UNTIL 1045 AM EDT...

At 939 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
cluster of thunderstorms near Lynne, moving northeast at 60 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Deltona, Lake George, Deland, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and Ormond
Beach.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional
information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 PM EDT for
east central Florida.

LAT...LON 2943 8107 2910 8093 2885 8136 2887 8135
      2888 8136 2882 8142 2878 8195 2896 8195
      2896 8166 2905 8166 2906 8164 2928 8164
      2932 8168 2938 8145 2940 8142 2926 8142
      2927 8115 2941 8116
TIME...MOT...LOC 1339Z 246DEG 63KT 2915 8196

Sedlock

Special weather statement, Apr 20, 9:32 AM EST, 23 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1032 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

FLZ041-044>046-144-201515-
Northern Lake County FL-Orange FL-Seminole FL-Inland Volusia FL-
Southern Lake County FL-
1032 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR WESTERN SEMINOLE...CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN LAKE...NORTHWESTERN ORANGE AND SOUTH CENTRAL VOLUSIA
COUNTIES UNTIL 1115 AM EDT...

At 1032 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Leesburg, moving east at 40 mph.

Pea size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Orlando, Sanford, Apopka, Altamonte Springs and Ocoee.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 PM EDT for
east central Florida.

LAT...LON 2886 8195 2899 8132 2856 8129 2857 8195
TIME...MOT...LOC 1432Z 269DEG 34KT 2879 8196

Sedlock

The radar

The Melbourne radar (KMLB), 123 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 14:52 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

5 thunderstorm wind, 1 tornado, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.

Thunderstorm Wind, Volusia

When: April 20, 9:55 AM EST to 9:56 AM EST
Where: Volusia County, 1.15 mi ESE of Fatio to 0.84 mi W of De Land
Measured: 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 29.045, -81.332

National Weather Service Melbourne staff conducted a damage survey along the radar-estimated rotational track of a supercell thunderstorm west of DeLand to Bethune Beach, which occurred on April 20, 2020. The survey team found straight-line wind damage (peak winds estimated at 55-65 mph), along a sporadic zone of 1.5 miles in DeLand. The damage was primarily several up-rooted oak trees, as well as numerous large, broken branches.

Tornado, Seminole

When: April 20, 10:45 AM EST to 10:48 AM EST
Where: Seminole County, 1.06 mi SW of Lake Jessup to 2.17 mi ESE of Lake Jessup
Rating: EF0
Path length: 2.74 mi
Path width: 25 yd
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey
Coordinates: 28.719, -81.242

National Weather Service Melbourne staff conducted a damage survey and found no damage along the radar-estimated rotational track of a supercell thunderstorm, which moved from Seminole County to the Brevard County coast. The survey team searched along a path from Heathrow to Scottsmoor. However, based on numerous videos received from trained spotters and the general public, NWS Melbourne confirms that a waterspout developed on Lake Jesup just east of State Road 417. The waterspout continued east for approximately 2.75 miles, and came onshore briefly as an EF-0 tornado (peak winds estimated 60-65 mph) within an unpopulated area adjacent to the lake.

Thunderstorm Wind, Seminole

When: April 20, 10:47 AM EST
Where: Seminole County, 0.79 mi W of (Sfb)sanford Arpt
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: ASOS
Coordinates: 28.780, -81.243

The ASOS at the Orlando-Sanford International Airport, KSFB, measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph from the northwest.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: April 20, 4:28 PM EST
Where: Martin County, Stuart Witham Fld
Measured: 52 kt (60 mph) measured gust
Reported by: AWOS
Coordinates: 27.180, -80.220

The AWOS at Stuart Witham Field Airport, KSUA, measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph from the west.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: April 20, 4:29 PM EST
Where: Martin County, 0.69 mi S of Palm City
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 27.160, -80.270

Martin County Emergency Management reported a large tree fell onto a car in Palm City.

Hail, Martin

When: April 20, 4:30 PM EST
Where: Martin County, 1.23 mi W of Lighthouse Pt
Measured: 1 in hail
Reported by: Trained Spotter
Coordinates: 27.180, -80.290

A trained spotter reported quarter-sized hail at Monarch Country Club in Palm City. Other trained spotters also reported hail up to quarter size in Stuart and Palm City.

Thunderstorm Wind, Martin

When: April 20, 4:30 PM EST
Where: Martin County, 0.61 mi E of Palm City
Measured: 57 kt (66 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 27.170, -80.260

A member of the public reported a measured peak wind gust of 66 mph, quarter-sized hail, and damage to a few carports at Southwest Hideaway Place in Stuart.

What these are

Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.
Hail: Hail three-quarters of an inch or larger, or smaller hail that caused damage, filed with the largest stone measured.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Florida in 2020 Every state in 2020 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Florida, 2020 Warnings in Florida, April 2020

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 880355, 880353, 880354, 880356, 880358, 880357, 880359.