EF0 Tornado — Monroe, Florida

2023-11-15 · near Big Coppit Is, Monroe, Florida

Event narrative

A brief tornado initially developed over the

southeast edge of the Eden Pines subdivision, located over the

central portion of (the island of) Big Pine Key around 6:27 AM EST.

The relatively narrow tornado moved quickly north-northwest in

the general area framed by Lantana Lane, Buttonwood and Oleander

Drives. EF-0 damage was observed via the survey included vinyl

siding torn off a portion of a home, a couple downed and snapped

buttonwood trees, and a twisted fence. Maximum winds of 75 mph were estimated in this portion of the Eden Pines subdivision. The directional deposition

despite relatively low volume of debris strongly suggested a

tornadic circulation at the surface along a short and narrow path.

A resident heard a distinct audible rushing sound almost

immediately before tornado passage, notable due to the lack of any

observed wind damage off the path within the residential

subdivision. The timing of the original observation of wind

damage corresponded with the passage of a supercell on a northwest

path across central Big Pine Key and into Pine Channel.

Wider weather episode

Strong low pressure over the eastern Gulf of Mexico resulted in a slow-moving pre-frontal trough focusing heavy convective rainfall over portions of the middle and upper Florida Keys. One EF0 tornado was observed on Big Pine Key in association with a small supercell which evolved in advance of the passing squall line. In additional, strong winds associated with a convectively-induced mesoscale low pressure system over the middle and upper Florida Keys resulted in moderate to major coastal flooding near the shores of Barnes and Card Sounds.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (24.6918, -81.3726)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1165342. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.