We’ve all heard about frightening tornadoes that wreak havoc on communities, but did you know a particularly high concentration of tornadoes in Florida? That’s right – the Sunshine State tops the list for most destructive twisters, with a higher frequency than any other state.
From Tampa Bay to Fort Myers along the coast, and also across the western panhandle and sections of the Atlantic Coast, Florida is subject to some of the most powerful twisters around. Springtime is usually when they peak in intensity, while summer frequently sees more reports of truly destructive tornadoes.
So if you live in or are planning to visit Florida, it’s important to know about this heightened risk for devastating weather patterns – so you can be aware and prepared for whatever Mother Nature decides to throw your way!
Types of Tornadoes in Florida
Are you ready to understand more about the types of tornadoes that occur in Florida? Tornadoes are categorized by the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF-Scale) and show wind speed and estimated damage to structures.
Most tornadoes in Florida are of the EF-0 variety, with winds from 65 mph to 85 mph. These storms cause mainly minor damage, such as shingles being peeled off roofs, broken windows, and fallen trees. However, Florida also gets EF-1 tornadoes with winds from 86 mph to 110 mph, which can cause more significant damage; downed power lines; and even overturned vehicles, bridges, and mobile homes.
Finally, occasionally Florida sees an EF-2 tornado with winds from 111 mph to 135 mph. These types of tornadoes are capable of causing irreparable damage such as structural walls collapsing and large trees being uprooted.
Whenever a tornado is on the horizon in Florida – no matter what type – remember that safety comes first!
High-Risk Areas in Florida for Tornadoes
You may not know this, but Florida is particularly prone to tornadoes. In fact, it has the highest frequency of reported tornadoes per 10,000 square miles compared to other states! That’s why it’s important to be aware of the areas with a higher risk of experiencing a strong tornado.
Tampa Bay and Fort Myers
The coastal region between these two cities has a particularly high frequency of tornadoes. A combination of warm coastal air with cooler air from the north leads to extreme changes in weather, creating an ideal condition for severe storms and powerful tornadoes.
Western Panhandle
Much like the Tampa Bay area, the western panhandle experiences a higher incidence of severe weather conditions due to its location between warm Gulf air and cold northern air – which leads to dangerous thunderstorms and powerful twisters.
Atlantic Coast
This area is not just prone to hurricanes – it’s also at risk for destructive, fast-moving tornadoes. Additional factors like warm water temperatures and proximity to neighboring states can increase this risk even more, making this side of the state especially vulnerable.
What to Do When a Tornado Is Imminent
The first thing to do if a tornado is imminent is to take shelter in your home or another large building. Having an underground storm shelter or safe room is the best option as it provides additional protection against flying debris, flying objects, and high winds.
If you don’t have access to an underground shelter, you should still seek out the safest room in your house. This is typically the basement of a one-story building or an interior room on the lowest floor of a two-story building that has no windows and few doors.
You should also:
- Put on shoes for protection from debris.
- Move away from windows and into an inner hallway or room without windows and without glass walls, like a bathroom or closet.
- Close all interior doors and brace external doors as best you can with something heavy like a mattress or extra piece of furniture.
- Get as low as possible under something sturdy like a table or desk and cover yourself with blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, mattresses, etc.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as hallways, auditoriums, and gymnasiums – these have greater potential for roof collapse.
Ultimately, the most important thing to do when a tornado is imminent is to remain informed! Keep up with local news reports so you’re aware of any alerts and warnings that may be put in place due to severe weather conditions – this will help you make informed decisions as you seek shelter during extreme weather events.
Preparation Tips to Stay Safe During a Tornado
You may not know this, but being prepared for tornadoes is key! The most destructive twisters usually strike in spring and summer in Florida, so it’s important to know a few things to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Shelter
Seek shelter in a well-constructed building or storm shelter. Don’t go outside during the storm even if there is no visible funnel cloud as strong winds can still cause harm. If at home, hide under tables or desks whatever is available to cover yourself from falling debris.
Awareness
Stay informed about tornado watches and warnings – warning alerts are sent to television, radio, smartphones, and NOAA radios. Understand the terms of tornadoes such as “tornado watch” which means tornadoes are possible in your area while “tornado warning” means a tornado has been spotted and you should take immediate action.
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Distances
Be aware of distances between your place of residence and the nearest shelter such as a basement or an approved safe room. Also, be aware of distances between your place of residence and nearby open areas where they could take shelter quickly if there is no time or ability to reach a designated shelter.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of keeping yourself safe during a tornado!
FAQs About Tornadoes in Florida
So, you’re wondering what else you need to know about tornadoes in Florida?
What is the strongest tornado that has ever hit Florida?
The most powerful tornado to strike the state was an F3 category twister that ripped through Palm Beach County back in February 1998. It had peak wind speeds of up to 206 mph and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage.
What are the most common locations for a tornado to occur in Florida?
The coasts between Tampa Bay and Fort Myers, as well as parts of the Western Panhandle and Atlantic Coast generally have the highest frequency of tornadoes per 10,000 square miles. It’s important to bear in mind, however, that while patterns may differ slightly from year-to-year, the majority of the strongest tornadoes have usually been reported during the spring and summer months.
Are there any safety measures I should take if a tornado strikes?
Yes! You should always seek out an interior room on or near the ground floor with no windows or other openings – such as a closet or hallway. If possible, you should also stay away from objects that could get airborne during a twister.
