EF1 tornado, Okeechobee Co Arpt to Ft Drum, Florida, October 9, 2024

1. EF065 to 85 mph

   Light damage. Surface peeled off some roofs, gutters and siding damaged, branches broken, shallow-rooted trees pushed over.

2. EF186 to 110 mphthis tornado

   Moderate damage. Roofs badly stripped, mobile homes overturned or badly damaged, exterior doors lost, windows broken.

3. EF2111 to 135 mph

   Considerable damage. Roofs torn off well-built houses, frame homes shifted on their foundations, mobile homes destroyed, large trees snapped or uprooted, cars lifted off the ground.

4. EF3136 to 165 mph

   Severe damage. Whole stories of well-built houses destroyed, large buildings badly damaged, trains overturned, trees debarked, heavy cars lifted and thrown.

5. EF4166 to 200 mph

   Devastating damage. Well-built houses leveled, structures with weak foundations moved some distance, cars thrown and large missiles generated.

6. EF5over 200 mph

   Incredible damage. Strong frame houses swept off their foundations, car-sized missiles thrown more than 100 meters, steel-reinforced concrete badly damaged, high-rise buildings deformed.

7. Unrated

   The survey recorded a tornado but could not put a number on it, most often because it crossed open country and damaged nothing a rating can be read from.

Rating

EF1

Date

October 9, 2024

Touchdown

2:10 PM EDT (18:10 UTC)

Lifted

2:39 PM EDT (18:39 UTC)

On the ground

29 minutes

Path length

17.1 miles (27.6 km)

Path width

300 yards (274 m)

Deaths

0

Injuries

0

Property damage

$1.2 million

County

Okeechobee County

Touchdown point

27.272, -80.707

Lift-off point

27.499, -80.818

Record number

2410091210-01

35 damage points were recorded along this path by NWS MLB, in the Damage Assessment Toolkit the survey teams carry. The strongest indicator was rated EFU. The highest wind the damage implies is 115 mph.

• Completely decimated double wide. Was strapped down.
• Some shifting of roof line as well
• One beside it was fine no damage
• Trees snapped or broken branches.

Survey points are preliminary and are the raw material the published rating was built from. Source: NWS Damage Assessment Toolkit.

Hurricane Milton moved ashore the west-central Florida coast as a category 3 hurricane on Oct 9 around 1930EST. The system continued slowly in an east-northeast trajectory across central Florida, becoming a category 1 hurricane before emerging into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral. The outer rainbands of Milton overspread the Florida peninsula earlier in the day, leading to a prolific tornado outbreak across Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Osceola and Brevard counties with over 19 confirmed tornadoes within a 4-hour period. Milton's slow forward motion produced very heavy rainfall, with significant urban and street flooding particularly near and north of the center's track, as well as a significant river flood event along the St. Johns. Considerable tree damage and some structural damage occurred due to the system's tropical storm force winds, and hurricane force wind gusts, particularly near and north of the track of the center.

A tornado impacted portions of southwest Okeechobee County, where it produced widespread EF-1 and at least some EF-2 damage. Based on radar analysis and public reports, the tornado touched down south of US-98 just northwest of the Okeechobee County Airport. ||The first damage encountered during a NWS Storm Survey was on the path was on US-98 where a manufactured home was lifted from its foundation, stripped from the tie downs, and thrown northward nearly 200 yards while being completely destroyed. Two individuals were injured at this location. A steel/metal barn was damaged on its south side; metal was torn off and the steel structure was bent and twisted. Here, the damage was consistent with both EF-1 and EF-2 winds of 90 - 115 mph.||Along US-98, agricultural irrigation equipment was flipped over. A home suffered partial roof loss and the remaining roof appeared shifted to the north based on columns facing the road. A palm tree was also snapped in half at this property. Along NW 67th Ln, another mobile home was destroyed and a small farm outbuilding collapsed. Maximum winds on this portion of the track ranged from 95 - 110 mph, or EF-1 strength.||From there, the tornado continued into Dixie Ranch Acres. Block by block, multiple homes suffered roof and soffit damage, and many outbuildings were either damaged or destroyed. At least one home lost over 20% of its roof. Substantial tree damage occurred, with many losing large branches. There was at least one instance of a hardwood tree being snapped only feet from the ground. EF-1 winds occurred throughout the path in Dixie Ranch Acres, with winds of 90 - 110 mph.||Beyond this location, no damage was noted as the tornado moved into open pasture. However, based on dual-polarimetric radar data, the tornado continued for approximately 4 miles to the northwest before lifting near NW 160th St.

Based on radar analysis and public video provided to the NWS, the tornado touched down immediately south of SR-70. At this location, irrigation equipment was flipped over, indicative of EF-0 winds of 75 - 85 mph.||The tornado continued northeast to NE 120th St., where an outbuilding suffered damage to its metal roof; the roof was not torn off. Nearby hardwood trees were toppled and large branches were broken off, including at the entrance to Sunshine Grove (the site of the Okeechobee Music Festival). The damage in this area was consistent with EF-0 to EF-1 winds of 75 to 95 mph.||From there, the tornado traveled over mainly undeveloped land on approach to 45th Terrace and NE 224th St. Though no damage was observed due to inaccessibility, dual polarimetric radar indicates that the tornado remained on the ground during this period. Along 45th Terrace, the tornado passed over a portion of a commercial farm. At least two small homes suffered significant roof damage, and a semi truck and attached flatbed trailer were turned on its side. Again, this damage was of EF-0 or EF-1 |intensity.||The most significant damage on its path occurred at the Pine Creek Sporting Club, which is north of NE 224th St. Here, three well-constructed wood frame outbuildings were destroyed. Two of the buildings were at least partially open-front. On two of the buildings, heavy duty posts were sheared off at the ground as the roof gave way. On the third building, some of the posts were ripped out of the ground as the roof was lifted. Debris was strewn a large distance northward from these locations. According to an employee, one UTV was tossed into a live oak tree. The nearby cabins were spared of all but minor damage. Many hardwood trees were either uprooted or large branches snapped. It was concluded that high-end EF-1 damage occurred at the Pine Creek Sporting Club, with winds from 100 - 110 mph.||The tornado continued northwest, passing over open pasture before reaching a stand of hardwood trees along US-441. Many trees along US-441 were snapped; at least a couple were snapped down at the trunk. This was also consistent with EF-1 winds. According to dual polarimetric radar data, the tornado continued a short distance |northwest from this location before lifting to the south of Fort Drum.

A tornado occurred, which produced localized EF-1 and EF-2 damage. Based on radar analysis and public video provided to the local emergency manager, the tornado touched down southeast of C & M Rucks Dairy.||While the tornado started over open pasture, damage occurred as it moved over C & M Rucks Dairy on NW 144th Ave. Here, a large steel barn with metal siding suffered a partial collapse on the southeast side, with at least 50% of the building destroyed.|Nearby power poles and lines were downed, and a power pole was snapped. The building damage was consistent with EF-2 winds of 105 to 115 mph. The path width was quite narrow, evidenced by nearby buildings which were untouched.||The tornado moved northwest from there, with sheet metal strewn along and west of NW 203rd St. There was no damage reported north of NW 240th St. Based on this and dual-polarimetric radar data, the tornado most likely lifted immediately south of NW 240th St over open pasture.

The tornado has been confirmed using a combination of dual polarimetric data from the KMLB WSR-88D as well as photographic evidence of damage from Florida Power and Light's Fort Drum and Cavendish Solar Farms. ||Based on a tornado debris signature (TDS), touch down occurred in a rural area of Okeechobee County, before the system continued toward the northwest. The circulation intersected the Fort Drum and Cavendish Solar Farms at approximately 1351EST where estimated winds of 80 to 90 mph damaged solar panels across both complexes. Damage cost estimates are not available. ||The tornado continued toward the west-northwest into rural Indian River County where it dissipated south of State Road 60 and east of Florida's Turnpike.

From NOAA NCEI's Storm Events Database, the narrative the local forecast office wrote for Storm Data.

NWS Melbourne, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the tornado touched down at Oct 9, 1:21 PM EDT, 49 minutes earlier.

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
Issued by National Weather Service Corpus Christi TX
121 PM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024

...New AVIATION...

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFs)
Issued at 114 PM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024

Convection associated with Hurricane Milton continues to affect
all of Central Florida. Coverage of thunderstorms is increasing as
bands move northward from South Florida. Have at least VCTS
mentioned in all TAFS with some tempo TSRA. CIGS have been
bouncing in and out of MVFR, but at times of issuance most sites
are in an MVFR condition and expect abundance MVFR conditions
through the remainder of the period.

In terms of winds, Moderate east to northeasterly winds persist
this afternoon with a substantial increase from west to east
mainly after 00Z. Winds are going to be very strong for all sites
overnight with the current track bringing the worst conditions to
ISM and MLB. Shifts are still possible in the track so haven't
gotten too specific with timing/strength of the peak winds, just
expect dangerous flying conditions throughout the area overnight
tonight and into Thursday morning. Have noted a slight decrease in
wind speeds toward the end of the period for inland locations, but
will remain gusty.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 1110 AM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024

Key Messages...

- Hurricane preparations should be rushed to completion this
  morning! Conditions will become more dangerous through the day
  and into tonight, and residents and visitors should prepare to
  shelter in place no later than late afternoon.

- This will likely be a rare and historic event for portions of
  east central Florida, please take this storm seriously!

- Please follow any recommended evacuation and or sheltering
  actions for those in flood prone locations, mobile homes, or on
  the barrier islands. The time to locate a safe shelter is now!

- Devastating and life-threatening impacts from winds and
  flooding rainfall will occur from Milton, especially through
  tonight and continuing into Thursday as Milton crosses central
  Florida. The threat of several tornadoes and storm surge along
  portions of the coast will occur as well.

Latest update from the NHC is that Milton is a strong and
extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane and is lifting quickly
northeast. Milton is forecast to continue to be a powerful major
hurricane as it makes landfall around midnight tonight along the
west-central Florida coast. Warm frontal boundary lifting north
across the area will lead to widespread rainfall, heavy at times,
and embedded storms, especially across areas near to north of a
line from the Orlando metro to the Cape. Localized to areas of
urban, low-lying, and poor drainage flooding will already be
possible, especially across this region through today, and will
make any last minute preparations difficult. In addition,
increasing helicity and some added daytime instability south of
Orlando this morning will begin to increase the threat of
tornadoes through late morning and afternoon, and a Tornado Watch
is now in effect for Osceola, Okeechobee, Indian River, St. Lucie
and Martin counties, as well as the adjacent Atlantic waters
through 9 PM EDT. The threat for tornadoes will continue to expand
northward across east central Florida with time through this
afternoon and into this evening, so additional expansions in the
watch will likely be necessary.

Residents and visitors should rush preparations to completion this
morning, and will want to begin to shelter in place no later than
late afternoon for the duration of the event. The greatest impacts
from Milton will occur into tonight and continue through tomorrow
as Milton crosses central FL. Dangerous hurricane conditions will
persist on the back side of the system, especially along coastal
counties as it pushes offshore the east central FL coast into
Thursday afternoon.

For more details on the significant impacts Milton will bring to
east central Florida today through Thursday, please refer to the
latest Hurricane Milton Local Statement.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 317 AM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024

A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for the entire adjacent
Atlantic waters. Boating conditions will remain poor to hazardous,
with conditions deteriorating further and becoming extremely
dangerous late today through the remainder of the week as Milton
crosses the area. Initial onshore winds 10-16 kts increasing to
15-20 kts early this afternoon and 20-25 kts by early this
evening. Initial seas 5-7 ft and occasionally up to 8 ft (Gulf
Stream) will build 6-9 ft into early evening. Small craft should
also continue to Exercise Caution near inlets during the outgoing
tide early to mid morning and again early to mid evening. This is
due to persistent easterly long period swells. Scattered to
numerous showers and isolated lightning storms will become
widespread during the morning and thru tonight as a boundary
retreats northward across the area and ahead of Major Hurricane
Milton. Strong northerly-component winds are forecast to maintain
dangerously high seas through at least Sat.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DAB  75  82  73  81 / 100  90  60  40
MCO  75  80  72  81 / 100  80  50  30
MLB  77  85  75  83 /  90  80  60  30
VRB  77  85  75  84 /  90  70  60  30
LEE  73  80  68  81 / 100  70  40  20
SFB  74  81  72  81 / 100  80  50  30
ORL  76  82  72  82 / 100  80  50  30
FPR  77  85  75  84 /  90  70  50  30

&&

.MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Hurricane Warning for FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-247-
     254-259-347-447-547-647-747.

     Tornado Watch until 9 PM EDT this evening for FLZ053-058-154-159-
     164-254-259-264.

     Flood Watch through Thursday evening for FLZ041-044>046-053-058-
     141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747.

     Storm Surge Warning for FLZ141-447-747.

     Hurricane Watch for FLZ164-264.

     Tropical Storm Warning for FLZ164-264.

AM...Hurricane Warning for AMZ550-552-555-570-572-575.

     Tornado Watch until 9 PM EDT this evening for AMZ555.

&&

UPDATE...Weitlich
AVIATION...99

In the hours before

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1223 PM EDT Wed Oct 9 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

1213 PM     Tornado          Port Mayaca             26.99N 80.62W
10/09/2024                   Martin             FL   Public

            Multiple reports of a tornado along the
            eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee near Port
            Mayaca.

&&

JS

Okeechobee (OBE), 16 km from the path, in the two hours either side.

From the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of airport observations.

The Melbourne radar (KMLB), 82 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the touchdown began at 18:12 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment, over the track

Reflectivity and velocity, decoded from the Level II archive in the browser. Volumes take a few seconds to open the first time.

The live radar over the trackEvery 2024 tornado in FloridaEvery tornado in Florida since 1950Warnings in force in Florida nowThe forecast where you are

43 more were confirmed in the United States that day.

Ratings are the survey's, read off the damage rather than measured; the rating scale is above. Tornado counts rise through the record as reporting improved, so a year in the 1950s is not comparable with one today except for the strongest tornadoes, which were always noticed.

NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database, 1950-2025, the official record kept by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.