National Weather Service Raw Text Product

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447-547-647-747-131515-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1103 PM EDT Sat Oct 12 2024

...NWS Damage Survey for 10/09/2024 Dixie Ranch Acres Area Tornado Event...

.Rural Okeechobee County, Near Dixie Ranch Acres...

Rating:                 EF2
Estimated Peak Wind:    115 mph
Path Length /statute/:  Approx 8.5 miles
Path Width /maximum/:   250 yards 
Fatalities:             0
Injuries:               2
        
Start Date:             10/09/2024
Start Time:             02:04 PM EDT
Start Location:         1 W Basswood Estates / Okeechobee County / FL
Start Lat/Lon:          27.2822 / -80.8798

End Date:               10/09/2024
End Time:               Approx 02:20 PM EDT
End Location:           4 E Basinger / Okeechobee County / FL
End Lat/Lon:            27.3823 / -80.9577

Survey Summary:

A National Weather Service survey team conducted an initial 
damage assessment along US-98 in rural Okeechobee County. A 
tornado occurred, which 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 Co Airport. 

The first damage encountered 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.

The National Weather Service Office in Melbourne sends its 
sincerest thanks to the Okeechobee County Emergency Management and
other local partners for their extensive and ongoing 
coordination. Appreciation is also extended to local broadcast 
media, trained spotters, and local residents for providing 
information before and during the storm survey.

&&

EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the
following categories:

EF0.....65 to 85 mph
EF1.....86 to 110 mph
EF2.....111 to 135 mph
EF3.....136 to 165 mph
EF4.....166 to 200 mph
EF5.....>200 mph

NOTE:
The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to
change pending final review of the event and publication in
NWS Storm Data.


$$

Heil/Volkmer