Hardee County, Florida
Tornadoes, hail, floods and severe storms recorded here between 1961 and 2024, from NOAA's Storm Events Database. Search an address to see which tornadoes came closest to it.
24
Tornado reports
29
Hail reports
29
Floods since 1996
253
All events
4
Deaths
$197.8M
Property damage
Tornado paths in Hardee County
The part of each tornado’s path NOAA recorded in this county, 23 in all. Zoom in and the paths widen to their surveyed width.
EF0EF1EF2EF3EF4EF5Unrated
Year by year
All storm eventsTornadoes
NOAA's storm database records tornadoes back to 1950 and hail and thunderstorm wind back to 1955, but floods only from 1996 on. Older floods are missing here. For those, the U.S. Geological Survey's stream gauge records and flood reports are the place to look.
Most significant events
The strongest tornadoes, deadliest events and biggest damage here, up to 50.
The highest wind reported in Hardee County from Hurricane Ian was an 81 mph wind gust in Wauchula at 11:20 PM EST on September 29. Rainfall generally ranged from 15 to 20 inches, with a maximum total of 20.13 inches near Zolfo Springs. The Peace River in Zolfo Springs reached a r…
Heavy rains from Hurricane Irma caused the Peace River at Zolfo Springs to rise above flood stage on the 12th, with flooding continuing through the 24th. The water level crested at 23.85 feet on the 13th, 1.85 feet above the major flooding threshold. This marks the third highest …
In Hardee County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 69 knots at the Hardee County Emergency Operations Center in Wauchula. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.58 inches at a mesonet station in Zolfo Spr…
Fresh water flooding inundated areas for three days. Most of the damage was confined to the public infrastructure in the areas of Bowling Green, Wauchula, and Zolfo Springs.
Hurricane (Typhoon) Hurricane (Typhoon)
Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 60 to 75 mph,with a maximum gust of 64 mph near Bowling Green at 8:55 PM EST on October 9. Rainfall ranged from 4 to 8 inches, with a maximum total of 8.06 inches near Zolfo Springs. An EF-1 tornado occurred near Ber…
Tornado EF1 Tornado
A brief tornado touched down just east of Old Town Creek Road and paralleled the road for a couple minutes, snapping trees as it went across the region, before dissipating. Maximum estimated winds were 105 mph.
Tropical Storm Tropical Storm
Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 30 to 40 mph,with a maximum gust of 37 mph near Wauchula at 2:00 AM EST on August 5. Rainfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum total of 4.25 inches near Wauchula. A trained spotter reported a tornado near Bo…
Tornado EF0 Tornado
A long-lived supercell embedded within an outer rainband associated with Tropical Storm Debby tracked north-northwestward across much of interior southwest Florida, including parts of Lee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties, before again exhibiting signs of increased organization as i…
Tropical Storm Tropical Storm
Surface observations indicate peak wind gusts generally between 35 to 45 mph. Rainfall ranged from 3 to 6 inches, with a maximum total of 4.64 inches near Ona.
Tropical Storm Tropical Storm
In Hardee County, maximum winds were estimated between 30 and 40 mph in gusts. Rainfall estimates generally ranged from 1 to 3 inches. Approximately 100 customers experienced power outages.
Hail Hail
County EM reported hail up to golf ball size along US Highway 17.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Hardee County Sheriff Office reported downed power lines along State Route 64 near Zolfo Springs.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Amateur radio operator reported tree debris covering State Route 64 near Zolfo Springs.
Tornado EF0 Tornado
Law enforcement relayed web cam capture of small, short-lived rope tornado. Power lines reported down in the area.
Flood Flood
Florida Highway Patrol reported SR 64 closed in Ona near railroad tracks due to water covering railroad crossing.
Flood Flood
Emergency Management reported water partially covering River Road along the Peace River north of Zolfo Springs.
Flood Flood
Emergency Management reported water partially covering Alton Carlton Road near Troublesome Creek southwest of Wauchula.
Flood Flood
Emergency Management reported water covering roadway near intersection of Lost Acres Drive and Old Bradenton Road near Hog Branch north of Wauchula.
Flood Flood
Emergency Management reported water covering roadway along SR-64 near Hickory Creek east of Ona.
Hail Hail
Trained spotter reported 1-inch hail just east of Wauchula.
Hail Hail
Public reported 2-inch hail near Wauchula.
Strong Wind Strong Wind
Several power poles were snapped from strong gradient winds near the intersection of FL-62 and FL-37. The poles were installed incorrectly.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Hardee County Emergency Management reported one large oak tree was knocked down east of Zolfo Springs.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Hardee County emergency management reported wind damage on Doss Road. The tin roof was ripped off a pole barn, causing the structure to collapse. Additionally, a large tree was uprooted, a screened in porch was damaged, and three vehicles sustained damage from flying debris.
Lightning Lightning
Lightning struck a tower at a Hardee County facilities complex. The strike caused damage to equipment within the facility.
Hail Hail
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Hardee County Emergency Management reported thunderstorm wind damage to a car port win Wauchula.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Hardee County Emergency Management forwarded pictures of numerous large tree branches snapped and fences knocked down near Wauchula. A trampoline was also blown by the wind into a pickup truck, knocking out a side window.
Hail Hail
Hardee County Emergency Management forwarded pictures of a window on a home that was broken by wind driven hail near Zolfo Springs.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Temperatures dropped into the mid to upper 20s across Hardee County for several hours on the morning of the 18th, causing damage to citrus groves, strawberry crops, and landscaping. The coldest temperature reported was 26 degrees at the FAWN site in Ona.
Tornado EF1 Tornado
Roof damage and downed power poles were found in Wauchula along US Highway 17. An NWS storm survey crew had difficulty differentiating tornado damage from the surrounding hurricane damage, but given that the initial damage report was received well before the tropical storm and hu…
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
Hardee County Emergency Management relayed numerous reports of trees and power lines knocked down across Wauchula and Bowling Green from wind damage. The 911 call center received a total of 163 calls within a 3 hour window as a result of the storm.
Tropical Storm Tropical Storm
Tropical Storm Colin moved onshore in the Big Bend region of Florida with a minimum central pressure of 1000 mb. In Hardee County, strong winds knocked a tree and power lines onto a house in Wachula, causing minor fire damage to the insulation in the home. Another tree fell on a …
A Hardee County 911 operator relayed a report of a downed powerline on Colin Road near Wauchula. A resident came in contact with a live wire and was injured.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
There were reports of trees down blocking Cecil Durrance Road east of Wauchula.
Thunderstorm Wind Thunderstorm Wind
The Hardee County 911 Center relayed a report of a snapped power pole in Zolfo Springs. Time was estimated from radar.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County recorded sub-freezing temperatures for up to 4 hours across much of the county. The coldest temperature reported was 28 degrees at the COOP site at Wauchula.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County reported isolated spots with 1 to 2 hours of freezing temperatures. The coldest temperature reported was 31 degrees at the FAWN site at Ona.
Tornado EF0 Tornado
Sporadic damage to orange groves along path. One barn received moderate damage and tractor damage.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County recorded sub-freezing temperatures for up to 4 hours across much of the county. The coldest temperature reported was 29 degrees at the COOP site at Wauchula.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County recorded sub-freezing temperatures for around 3 hours across much of the county. The coldest temperature reported was 28 degrees at the FAWN site at Ona.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County recorded sub-freezing temperatures for around 4 hours across much of the county. The coldest temperature reported was 27 degrees at the FAWN station at Ona.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County recorded sub-freezing temperatures for up to 8 hours across much of the county. The coldest temperature reported was 27 degrees at the Ona FAWN station.
Tornado EF0 Tornado
A tornado was reported in rural Hardee County. No damage was reported. The time was estimated off of radar.
Tornado EF0 Tornado
A tornado was reported in rural Hardee County. No damage was reported. The time was estimated off of radar.
Frost/Freeze Frost/Freeze
Hardee County recorded sub-freezing temperatures for 10 to 12 hours across much of the county. The cooperative station near Wauchula experienced the coldest temperature across the county of 24 degrees. The county has 53,378 acres of harvested farmland, which is approximately $3.9…
Events by year, as a table
| Year | Events | Tornadoes |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 | 1 |
| 2021 | 7 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 |
| 2018 | 5 | 0 |
| 2017 | 4 | 1 |
| 2016 | 3 | 0 |
| 2013 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | 6 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 | 2 |
| 2010 | 3 | 0 |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 |
| 2008 | 6 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 4 | 1 |
| 2005 | 9 | 2 |
| 2004 | 15 | 2 |
| 2003 | 12 | 1 |
| 2002 | 14 | 1 |
| 2001 | 19 | 0 |
| 2000 | 12 | 0 |
| 1999 | 21 | 0 |
| 1998 | 23 | 2 |
| 1997 | 16 | 0 |
| 1996 | 11 | 1 |
| 1994 | 3 | 0 |
| 1993 | 3 | 1 |
| 1991 | 8 | 0 |
| 1990 | 2 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 | 0 |
| 1980 | 1 | 1 |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 |
| 1976 | 1 | 0 |
| 1974 | 1 | 1 |
| 1971 | 1 | 1 |
| 1970 | 1 | 0 |
| 1969 | 1 | 0 |
| 1968 | 1 | 1 |
| 1967 | 1 | 0 |
| 1962 | 1 | 0 |
| 1961 | 1 | 1 |
Search your address
See every tornado that passed within 25 miles of a place in Hardee County, measured to its path.
We couldn’t get your location. Check that location access is allowed for this site, or type an address.