Surface observations from around the time the supercells were approaching the coast suggested this as well, as temps hovered in the upper 70s to around 80 degrees while dew points climbed into the mid to upper 70s. While moderate instability was present as indicated by MLCAPE values of 1500-2500 J/kg, warm moist advection via the low level jet helped offset the diurnal phase of the overnight hours that otherwise would have favored increased low-level stability and stymied storm development. Furthermore, most of the storm relative helicity was focused over the lowest 1 km of the atmosphere, with available mesoanalysis depicting 150-200 m2/s2 of 0-1 km storm relative helicity over the west-central FL coast, and approaching 250 m2/s2 across the Nature Coast. Fortunately, no fatalities or significant injuries were reported, which is especially remarkable given the strength of the tornadoes and the fact that most of them occurred during the overnight hours.Īn environment characterized by strong low-level wind shear and moderate instability was supportive of a broken line of supercells forming over the eastern Gulf of Mexico in the warm sector ahead of a surface low pressure system centered over the north-central Gulf of Mexico.Ī strongly veered atmosphere existed within the warm sector as the line approached the west coast of Florida – with backed surface winds out of the south-southeast around 10-15 knots, a low-level jet at 850 mb out of the south-southwest around 30-35 knots, and 500 mb winds out of the southwest around 50-60 knots – leading to effective deep-layer shear of 45-55 knots and effective storm relative helicity of 200-300 m2/s2, both of which strongly supported supercell development. ![]() The 6 total confirmed tornadoes represents the 8th most tornadoes in any single event for the area, and the event is tied for 15th when ranking events by total number of tornadoes. ![]() Elsewhere, EF-0 tornadoes affected Sarasota and Pasco counties, and another 2 hit parts of Pinellas County separate from the EF-2. The first of the significant tornadoes moved across Pinellas County near Clearwater Beach and Dunedin, and the other near Crystal River in Citrus County. ![]() Six tornadoes affected the area, with 2 of them being significant (rated EF-2 or stronger) with maximum estimated winds of 115 and 125 mph. Western Florida experienced one of its more significant tornado events during the evening of October 11th through the morning of October 12th. Most images on this page can be expanded with a single left click and returned to original size with a second left click.
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