2012 Tropical Storm Debby tornado outbreak

2012 Tropical Storm Debby tornado outbreak
Track map of radar–derived mesovorticies on June 24, 2012
TypeTornado outbreak
DurationJune 23–26, 2012
Highest winds
Tornadoes
confirmed		25
Max. rating1EF2 tornado
Duration of
tornado outbreak2		2 days, 18 hours, 50 minutes
Largest hailNo large hail reported[2]
Fatalities1 fatality total, 3 injuries
Damage$1.8 million[3]
Areas affectedFlorida Peninsula
1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale
2Time from first tornado to last tornado

From June 23 to 26, 2012, Tropical Storm Debby produced a significant tornado outbreak across the Florida Peninsula. Throughout the entire event, 25 tornadoes touched down across the state, making the outbreak the second largest on record in Florida, behind only that spawned by Hurricane Agnes, which produced 28 tornadoes from June 18 to 19, 1972.[4] At least ten of the tornadoes—the largest 24-hour total in South Florida since Hurricane Isbell produced eight in 1964—had been confirmed in four South Florida counties by the National Weather Service forecast office in Miami.[5]

Meteorological synopsis

Graphical analysis of convergence and mesoscale baroclinic boundaries (left) and surface wind streamlines (right) on June 24 during the height of the tornado outbreak.

On June 19, 2012, an area of low pressure formed over the Yucatán Peninsula and slowly moved north-northeast. Concurrently, a tropical wave approached from the east and merged with the low on June 22 which led to the formation of a trough across the southern Gulf of Mexico. Over the next day the system became increasingly organized and developed into Tropical Storm Debby around 8:00 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00) on June 23.[6] A prominent convergence band developed east of the circulation center and posed a minimal risk of tornadic activity over the Florida Keys and southwestern Florida Peninsula. Ample low-level moisture and air temperatures above 80 °F (27 °C) created Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) of 2,000 J/kg.[7] The first tornadoes occurred more than 40 hours before landfall and were in the city limits of Naples within Collier County at 3:35 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. EDT; both were rated EF0.[8] This was atypical to the majority of tropical cyclone tornado events in which the bulk of activity occurs within hours of landfall and after.[9] By 4:44 EDT, weak thunderstorm cells were noted over Collier and Monroe Counties; however, they were not considered as significant as normal tropical cyclone-produced supercells.[7] Activity in the nighttime hours shifted to potential waterspouts moving onshore in southwestern counties.[10] Conditions became more conducive for tornadic activity by the late-morning hours of June 24 as Debby's broad circulation meandered generally northeast.[6][11] Storm-relative helicity[note 1] reached 250–300 m2/s2, indicating potential for tornadoes.[11] Accordingly, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a tornado watch for western Florida at 11:45 a.m. EDT.[13]

By the afternoon of June 24, the focal point of discrete and/or rotating cells extended from the Tampa Bay area southeast to the Miami metropolitan area along a baroclinic zone. However, the eastern cells were inhibited by a more stable airmass.[14] Along the western side, instability was enhanced by the entrainment of dry mid-level air into areas with MLCAPE of 1,000 J/kg. Bulk shear also exceeded 35 mph (56 km/h), values supportive of tornadic storms.[15] Analysis of surface winds by the SPC at 7:01 p.m. EDT showed a 60 mph (97 km/h) low-level jet and increasing helicity values of 300–500 m2/s2. Successive mini supercells moving from the Gulf into western Florida were possible.[16] By 9:16 p.m. EDT, the convergence band organized into a linear squall line and propagated east, emerging over the far western Atlantic Ocean near 12:00 a.m. EDT on June 25. Behind the squall, the overall environment became more stable and less conducive to tornadic activity.[17][18] Around this time, Debby's center stalled out south of the Florida Panhandle.[6] In the pre-dawn hours of June 25, a new band of thunderstorms developed over central Florida and a new tornado watch was issued at 4:40 a.m. EDT.[19][20] Poorly modeled dry air entrainment and subsidence ultimately suppressed formation of tornadic storms throughout the day.[21] Only one tornado touched down in Highlands County at 10:25 a.m. EDT on June 26, marking the end of the outbreak.[3]

Throughout the nearly three-day outbreak, 25 tornadoes were confirmed across Florida of which only one exceeded EF1 intensity.[3] As is the case for all tropical cyclone tornado events, an unknown number of tornadoes likely went undocumented over open waters.[22] The most active phase of the outbreak occurred from 10:00 a.m. on June 24 to 12:00 a.m. EDT on June 25 with 22 tornadoes. Nineteen tornadoes formed within the right-front quadrant of Tropical Storm Debby—relative to the storm's motion—while the remainder formed in the right-back quadrant.[15][note 2]

Confirmed tornadoes

Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
0 18 5 2 0 0 0 25
List of confirmed tornadoes produced by Tropical Storm Debby in 2012[note 3]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Date Time (UTC) Path length Maximum width
EF0 ESE of East Naples Collier Florida 26°06′36″N 81°44′49″W / 26.11°N 81.747°W / 26.11; -81.747 (East Naples (June 23, EF0)) June 23 19:35–19:37 1.7 mi (2.7 km) 20 yd (18 m)
A waterspout was observed moving inland from the Isles of Capri. Damage occurred along an intermittent path with small trees uprooted, a palm tree snapped, heavy damage to a lanai, and snapped tree branches, one of which struck a car.[23]
EF0 ENE of Naples Park Collier Florida 26°16′26″N 81°47′20″W / 26.274°N 81.789°W / 26.274; -81.789 (Naples Park (June 23, EF0)) June 23 20:00 0.05 mi (0.080 km) 10 yd (9.1 m)
An extremely brief tornado snapped tree branches at the North Collier Hospital, one of which struck and injured a person.[24]
EF0 S of Zolfo Springs to WSW of Bowling Green Hardee Florida 27°24′N 81°47′W / 27.4°N 81.78°W / 27.4; -81.78 (Zolfo Springs (June 24, EF0)) June 24 14:15–14:30 17.03 mi (27.41 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A long-tracked tornado moved through predominantly rural areas, causing damage to orange groves, a barn, and a tractor.[25]
EF0 Muse Glades Florida 26°50′N 81°31′W / 26.84°N 81.52°W / 26.84; -81.52 (Muse (June 24, EF0)) June 24 15:00 0.01 mi (0.016 km) 10 yd (9.1 m)
A brief tornado damaged the roof of a barn.[26]
EF0 S of Goodland to N of Royal Palm Collier Florida 25°45′43″N 81°38′28″W / 25.762°N 81.641°W / 25.762; -81.641 (Goodland (June 24, EF0)) June 24 15:10–15:40 16.2 mi (26.1 km) 30 yd (27 m)
A waterspout originated over Gullivan Bay and moved across the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Damage was confined to trees in unpopulated areas.[27]
EF0 E of Golden Gate Collier Florida 26°09′43″N 81°32′31″W / 26.162°N 81.542°W / 26.162; -81.542 (Golden Gate (June 24, EF0)) June 24 16:00 0.01 mi (0.016 km) 20 yd (18 m)
A trained spotter observed a tornado near Alligator Alley.[28]
EF2 Venus Highlands Florida 27°02′N 81°22′W / 27.04°N 81.36°W / 27.04; -81.36 (Venus (June 24, EF2)) June 24 16:23–16:29 3.45 mi (5.55 km) 150 yd (140 m)
1 death – A woman was killed after being thrown 200 ft (61 m) by the tornado; her daughter was found in her arms with injuries.[29][30] The tornado damaged or destroyed six homes, tossed boats in a lake, and downed numerous trees.[30] The original public information statement from the NWS Forecast Office in Tampa Bay lists this as an EF2 tornado;[29] however, the NCEI database lists this as an EF0 tornado.[31]
EF0 SW of Immokalee Collier Florida 26°22′N 81°33′W / 26.37°N 81.55°W / 26.37; -81.55 (Immokalee (June 24, EF0)) June 24 16:25–16:30 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 20 yd (18 m)
A trained spotter observed a tornado over open fields.[32]
EF0 NW of Lake Worth Palm Beach Florida 26°38′02″N 80°03′52″W / 26.634°N 80.0645°W / 26.634; -80.0645 (Lake Worth (June 24, EF0)) June 24 16:25 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 20 yd (18 m)
A brief tornado damaged trees and pulled debris from a park.[33]
EF0 West Palm Beach Palm Beach Florida 26°41′49″N 80°04′05″W / 26.697°N 80.068°W / 26.697; -80.068 (West Palm Beach (June 24, EF0)) June 24 17:25–17:27 1.2 mi (1.9 km) 30 yd (27 m)
An intermittent tornado touched down in a warehouse district in West Palm Beach, damaging the roof and doors of one warehouse. It struck the West Palm Beach station, damaging trees, knocking down a gate, and snapping a rail crossing arm.[34]
EF0 Golden Beach Miami-Dade Florida 25°57′58″N 80°07′05″W / 25.966°N 80.118°W / 25.966; -80.118 (Golden Beach (June 24, EF0)) June 24 18:05–18:06 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 30 yd (27 m)
A waterspout briefly moved onshore, tossing beach chairs and damaging trees and a beach hut. One structure had its doors and a gate blown in.[35]
EF0 WSW of Palmdale Glades Florida 26°55′N 81°20′W / 26.92°N 81.34°W / 26.92; -81.34 (Palmdale (June 24, EF0)) June 24 19:04 0.01 mi (0.016 km) 20 yd (18 m)
A police officer reported a tornado crossing SR 74.[36]
EF1 WNW of Placid Lakes Highlands Florida 27°16′N 81°26′W / 27.27°N 81.44°W / 27.27; -81.44 (Placid Lakes (June 24, EF1)) June 24 19:23–19:30 5.31 mi (8.55 km) 100 yd (91 m)
This tornado remained over uninhabited areas for much of its track before crossing Lake June in Winter. Along the lake's north shore, nine homes were damaged. A two-story home had the majority of its top floor destroyed, with only an interior bathroom remaining. Portions of the roof were thrown 50 ft (15 m). A poorly built home was completely destroyed with debris thrown hundreds of feet upstream. A nearby workshop largely collapsed, with only one wall remaining. A graduate study through the University of Florida rated the damage to these structures as mid-range EF2;[37] however, the NWS Forecast Office in Tampa Bay rated the tornado as EF1.[38] Along the southeastern shore of Lake Francis, several more structures sustained minor damage.[37]
EF1 SSE of Indian Rocks Beach Pinellas Florida 27°52′42″N 82°50′37″W / 27.8783°N 82.8437°W / 27.8783; -82.8437 (Indian Rocks Beach (June 24, EF1)) June 24 19:40–19:43 0.74 mi (1.19 km) 75 yd (69 m)
A brief tornado damaged 21 structures; one home had a portion of its roof torn off.[39]
EF0 W of Pebble Creek Hillsborough Florida 28°09′02″N 82°22′29″W / 28.1506°N 82.3747°W / 28.1506; -82.3747 (Pebble Creek (June 24, EF0)) June 24 20:39–20:41 1.06 mi (1.71 km) 50 yd (46 m)
A brief tornado caused minor damage to five homes; pool cages, fences, and trees were also damaged.[40]
EF1 New Port Richey Pasco Florida 28°14′14″N 82°42′54″W / 28.2372°N 82.715°W / 28.2372; -82.715 (New Port Richey (June 24, EF1)) June 24 21:17–21:19 0.37 mi (0.60 km) 75 yd (69 m)
Five homes sustained major damage with losses reaching $650,000.[41]
EF0 SE of Winter Haven Polk Florida 27°58′N 81°41′W / 27.96°N 81.68°W / 27.96; -81.68 (Winter Haven (June 24, EF0)) June 24 22:55–22:56 0.92 mi (1.48 km) 25 yd (23 m)
A brief overturned a semi-trailer and downed trees and power lines.[42]
EF2 E of Winter Haven Polk Florida 27°57′N 81°41′W / 27.95°N 81.68°W / 27.95; -81.68 (Winter Haven (June 24, EF2)) June 24 00:04–00:12 6.22 mi (10.01 km) 150 yd (140 m)
A strong tornado damaged 17 homes, tore part of the roof off a big box store, and downed power lines.[43]
EF1 S of St. Pete Beach Pinellas Florida 27°42′N 82°44′W / 27.7°N 82.74°W / 27.7; -82.74 (St. Pete Beach (June 24, EF1)) June 24 00:21–00:25 3.02 mi (4.86 km) 50 yd (46 m)
A waterspout moved onshore near St. Pete Beach, destroying the top floor of a rental building and damaging a marina.[44]
EF0 SW of Oakland Lake Florida 28°29′06″N 81°39′39″W / 28.4849°N 81.6609°W / 28.4849; -81.6609 (Oakland (June 24, EF0)) June 24 00:59–01:05 3.71 mi (5.97 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A tornado damaged homes and trees on the south and north shores of Johns Lake.[45]
EF0 SE of Yeehaw Junction Osceola Florida 27°40′10″N 80°53′46″W / 27.6694°N 80.8961°W / 27.6694; -80.8961 (Yeehaw Junction (June 24, EF0)) June 24 01:55–02:02 3.08 mi (4.96 km) 100 yd (91 m)
A tornado touched down in a wooded area near US 441 It traveled north, crossing SR 60 and the Florida Turnpike. A vacant motel and toll booth were damaged. Trees were downed, one of which fell on a car.[46]
EF1 SE of Sugarmill Woods Citrus Florida 28°42′N 82°28′W / 28.7°N 82.47°W / 28.7; -82.47 (Sugarmill Woods (June 24, EF1)) June 24 01:57–02:03 4.99 mi (8.03 km) 100 yd (91 m)
Two mobile homes were destroyed, a block home suffered severe damage, and 20 homes had minor damage.[47]
EF0 NE of Deer Park Osceola Florida 28°06′13″N 80°52′34″W / 28.1035°N 80.876°W / 28.1035; -80.876 (Deer Park (June 24, EF0)) June 24 02:46–02:47 1.15 mi (1.85 km) 50 yd (46 m)
Damage was primarily confined to pine trees, though one fence was damaged and a pile of aluminum pipes was blown around.[48]
EF0 WNW of Space Coast Regional Airport Brevard Florida 28°31′53″N 80°51′41″W / 28.5314°N 80.8614°W / 28.5314; -80.8614 (Space Coast Regional Airport (June 24, EF0)) June 24 03:37–03:38 1.17 mi (1.88 km) 25 yd (23 m)
A brief tornado was observed near SR 50, illuminated by lightning. A few tree limbs were downed.[49]
EF0 WNW of Okeechobee Highlands Florida 27°16′17″N 81°01′23″W / 27.2714°N 81.023°W / 27.2714; -81.023 (Okeechobee (June 26, EF0)) June 26 14:25–14:27 1.1 mi (1.8 km) 40 yd (37 m)
A brief tornado was observed without causing damage.[50]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Storm-relative helicity is a measure of cyclonic updraft from ground level to 0.62 mi (1 km) in height. Values exceeding 100 m2/s2 indicate a greater possibility of tornadoes.[12]
  2. ^ Tornadic activity associated with tropical cyclones is most prominent in the northeast quadrant, with 68 percent of tornadoes in the Tropical Cyclone Tornado Dataset (TCTOR, 1995–2009) documented in this region. As storms weaken, the focal point of tornadoes shifts to the east and south.[22]
  3. ^ All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

References

  1. ^ "Florida Event Report: Thunderstorm Winds". National Climatic Data Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  2. ^ "Storm Reports for June 24, 2012". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. July 4, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "[Florida Tornado Events for June 23 to 26, 2012]". National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  4. ^ "SPC National Severe Weather Database Browser". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  5. ^ "Summary of Tornado Reports Over South Florida: June 23-24, 2012" (PDF). NWS Forecast Office, Miami, Florida. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  6. ^ a b c Kimberlain, Todd B. (January 7, 2013). "Tropical Storm Debby (AL042012)" (PDF). Tropical Cyclone Report. National Hurricane Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Edwards; Weiss (June 23, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1252". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  8. ^ Martinaitis 2017, pp. 169, 172.
  9. ^ Novlan & Gray 1974, p. 478.
  10. ^ Hurlbut; Mead (June 24, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1254". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  11. ^ a b Edwards; Weiss (June 24, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1258". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  12. ^ "Mesoscale Analysis Parameters". National Weather Service Houston Center Weather Service Unit. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  13. ^ Edwards (June 24, 2012). "Tornado Watch 422". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  14. ^ Edwards (June 24, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1261". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Martinaitis 2017, p. 172.
  16. ^ Dial; Mead (June 24, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1262". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  17. ^ Dial (June 24, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1264". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  18. ^ Dial (June 24, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1265". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  19. ^ Kerr (June 25, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1267". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  20. ^ Carbin (June 25, 2012). "Tornado Watch 424". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  21. ^ Hurlbut (June 25, 2012). "Mesoscale Discussion 1277". Storm Prediction Center. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  22. ^ a b Edwards, Roger (October 11, 2010). Tropical cyclone tornado records for the modernized National Weather Service era. 25th Conference on Severe Local Storms. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  23. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  24. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  25. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  26. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  27. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  28. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  29. ^ a b "NWS Damage Survey for 06/25/2012 Tornado Events". National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. June 25, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023 – via Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
  30. ^ a b "Highlands County woman killed during tornado ID'd". WFTV. June 25, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  31. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  32. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  33. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  34. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  35. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  36. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Miami, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  37. ^ a b Roueche, David; Kerr, Ashlie; Peng, Xinlai (2012). "Summary of June 24, 2012 Lake Placid Tornado" (PDF). University of Florida. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  38. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  39. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  40. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  41. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  42. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  43. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF2 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  44. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  45. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Melbourne, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  46. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Melbourne, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  47. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  48. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Melbourne, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  49. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Melbourne, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  50. ^ "[Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado]". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa Bay, Florida. 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2023.

Sources