Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Melbourne, FL
Issued by NWS Melbourne, FL
143 NOUS42 KMLB 172358 PNSMLB FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-164-247-254-259-264-347- 447-547-647-747-181200- Public Information Statement National Weather Service Melbourne FL 758 PM EDT Thu Oct 17 2024 ...NWS Damage Survey for Indian River County Tornado Event... .Overview...This report includes two tornadoes that impacted the city of Vero Beach between 3:48 pm and 4:16 pm EDT. Given the close proximity of the circulations, there is some uncertainty in the tracks; however, eyewitness accounts, videos, and areal surveys along with radar dual-polarimetric data supports two separate EF-1 tornadoes within 20 minutes of one another. .Vero Beach #1... Rating: EF1 Estimated Peak Wind: 95 mph Path Length /statute/: 4.51 miles Path Width /maximum/: 150 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 10/09/2024 Start Time: 03:48 PM EDT Start Location: Vero Beach, FL Start Lat/Lon: 27.6178 / -80.3883 End Date: 10/09/2024 End Time: 03:57 PM EDT End Location: Vero Beach, FL End Lat/Lon: 27.6799 / -80.4109 A National Weather Service Melbourne damage survey confirms that a tornado impacted portions of Indian River County on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The tornado, which produced a swath of EF-0 and EF-1 damage, was one of several tornadoes to impact the area as Hurricane Milton`s outer rainbands swept across the Treasure Coast, and the first to impact the downtown Vero Beach area. The tornado likely touched down in Vero Beach South along US-1 near 12th St. where generally vegetative damage was noted in the form of downed trees. Damage to residences and businesses was noted further to the north, particularly to roofs, as the tornado likely strengthened and produce wind speeds of up to 85 mph. The circulation intersected the Vero Beach Police Department at approximately 353 PM EDT per surveillance video where several trees and utility poles were downed. A mesonet weather station at the facility recorded a peak wind gust of 92 mph at 355 PM EDT. Several trees were downed in neighborhoods to the north of 20th St and US-1. The tornado continued on a north northwest path, generally near and just east of US-1 and the railroad tracks before diminishing as it moved into the Gifford area. The National Weather Service Office in Melbourne sends its sincerest thanks to Indian River County Emergency Management, Police Department, and Public Works for their extensive and ongoing coordination. Appreciation is also extended to local broadcast media, trained spotters, and local residents for providing information before and during the storm survey. .Vero Beach #2... Rating: EF1 Estimated Peak Wind: 100 mph Path Length /statute/: 3.44 miles Path Width /maximum/: 100 yards Fatalities: 0 Injuries: 0 Start Date: 10/09/2024 Start Time: 04:09 PM EDT Start Location: Vero Beach, FL Start Lat/Lon: 27.6233 / -80.3957 End Date: 10/09/2024 End Time: 04:16 PM EDT End Location: Vero Beach, FL End Lat/Lon: 27.6716 / -80.4101 A National Weather Service Melbourne damage survey confirms that a tornado impacted portions of Indian River County on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The tornado, which produced a swath of EF-0 and EF-1 damage, was one of several tornadoes to impact the area as Hurricane Milton`s outer rainbands swept across the Treasure Coast, and the second to impact the downtown Vero Beach area. The second tornado likely started on the west side of the tracks in Vero Beach South where a few instances of vegetative damage were noted. The circulation strengthened as it continued north along the tracks where more significant damage was noted to trees and structures between 20th St (SR 60) and the Vero Beach airport, coincident with wind gusts up to 100 mph. Several businesses suffered extensive roof loss and numerous trees were uprooted. Additionally, a large metal warehouse shifted off its foundation as its walls and roof collapsed near the train tracks at 19th Pl. The tornado continued north toward the Vero Beach Airport where dual-polarimetric radar data suggests the circulation quickly weakened as it approached Gifford. The National Weather Service Office in Melbourne sends its sincerest thanks to the Indian River County Emergency Management, Police Department, and Public Works for their extensive and ongoing coordination. Appreciation is also extended to local broadcast media, trained spotters, and local residents for providing information before and during the storm survey. && EF Scale: The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies tornadoes into the following categories: EF0.....65 to 85 mph EF1.....86 to 110 mph EF2.....111 to 135 mph EF3.....136 to 165 mph EF4.....166 to 200 mph EF5.....>200 mph NOTE: The information in this statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the events and publication in NWS Storm Data. $$ Ulrich/Fehling