EF2 tornado in Okeechobee County, Florida

A tornado impacted portions of southwest Okeechobee County, where it 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 County Airport.

The first damage encountered during a NWS Storm Survey was 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.

Hurricane Milton moved ashore the west-central Florida coast as a category 3 hurricane on Oct 9 around 1930EST. The system continued slowly in an east-northeast trajectory across central Florida, becoming a category 1 hurricane before emerging into the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral. The outer rainbands of Milton overspread the Florida peninsula earlier in the day, leading to a prolific tornado outbreak across Okeechobee, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Osceola and Brevard counties with over 19 confirmed tornadoes within a 4-hour period. Milton's slow forward motion produced very heavy rainfall, with significant urban and street flooding particularly near and north of the center's track, as well as a significant river flood event along the St. Johns. Considerable tree damage and some structural damage occurred due to the system's tropical storm force winds, and hurricane force wind gusts, particularly near and north of the track of the center.