Fort Pierce Tornado/St. Lucie County  -   July 27, 2002

Video Clip  thanks to WPTV West Palm Beach.
(Microsoft Video Format)

Description

The damage survey revealed that an F-0 tornado developed and then quickly dissipated in the area of Fort Pierce at US 1 and El Rancho Drive to Maple Avenue. Eyewitnesses described the formation of the funnel and it's dissipation between 11:00 am and 11:05 am EDT.

The debris cloud was photographed by eyewitness James Dekker as it was over the Johnson Chrysler-Plymouth car dealership. Most of the  service department roof of the dealership was blown off. Approximately 60 to 70 cars were reported damaged by flying debris.

The event was confined to roughly a 300 by 300 meter area between El Rancho Drive and Maple Avenue, on the west side of U.S. 1. The survey of the damage supported development of convergence and cyclonic circulation in the area. Damage pictures show inflow from the North, South, and West.

The approximate damage path was derived from a National Weather Service ground survey.  Damage pictures are accessible below.
 

Products

•    Severe Weather Statement
•    Short term Forecast (Nowcast)

Images

•     WSR-88D/KMLB Radar Animation

Damage Photos:   

•     Floor of the Chrysler Service Department
•     Rv Park Damage
•     Roof Damage to Houses
•     Fence Damage
•     Tree and Other Damage