EF0 tornado in Broward County, Florida

A tornado affected the downtown Fort Lauderdale area on the evening of January 6th. First visible signs of damage were along SE 12TH ST where large branches were down in front of a home. The tornado then traveled 1.5 miles northeast through portions of Rio Vista Isles, across the New River, and then across several streets just south of Sunset Lake before lifting in the vicinity of East Las Olas Blvd per video evidence. Most of the damage observed along the path was minor tree, roof, and power line damage. Therefore, the tornado is rated as an EF-0 with estimated maximum winds near 80 mph, however, most of the damage was likely in the 60-70 mph range. Damage amounts are estimated.

With the influence of a mid-level trough to the north, a surface low pressure system moving across the Southeast U.S. pulled a warm front across South Florida on the morning of January 6th. This brought plenty of warm air and diurnal instability to the area ahead of a cold front, which was the source of lift to spark several showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Some thunderstorms became severe, producing a funnel cloud and two tornadoes.