EF3 Tornado — Escambia, Florida

2016-02-23 · near Ferry Pass, Escambia, Florida

Event narrative

The tornado first touched down southwest of Creighton Road and quickly strengthened as it moved northeast. The first area of EF-2 damage was noted on Lansing Drive where significant roof damage was observed to a couple of homes along with snapped power poles and extensive tree damage. The tornado crossed over Interstate 10 just west of 9th Avenue. EF-1 damage was noted primarily to hardwood trees in the area of Interstate 10 and 9th Avenue. Intensification was noted as it moved further east of 9th Avenue and east of Northpointe Boulevard. The roof was blown off of two homes, one on La Borde Lane and one on Gladstone Drive. Additional EF-2 damage to homes was observed further to the northeast on Tradewinds Drive. Two vehicles were overturned in this location. It was at this point that further intensification began. The tornado reached peak intensity as it moved over the Mooring Apartments on Old Spanish Trail and the General Electric plant. EF-3 damage was observed at two of the apartment buildings with major damage to the second story. EF-3 damage occurred at the GE plant where a warehouse was destroyed. Additional EF-3 damage was noted at the Grand Baroque townhomes on Scenic Highway where two unities were destroyed. The tornado then moved into Escambia Bay and produced additional damage once it moved into Santa Rosa County.

Wider weather episode

A unusually strong storm system produced a highly favorable setup for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The highest impact across the Florida Panhandle was from a strong tornado that impacted the Pensacola metro. Some flooding was also experienced.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (30.4907, -87.2052)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 621845. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.