Strong storms that moved through the state and the greater Tampa Bay region early Thursday morning spawned a tornado on Clearwater Beach.
They also caused widespread damage in Dunedin and Citrus County.
According to a release, Clearwater Police began receiving emergency calls around 2 a.m.
Police say no injuries were reported, but at least two houses sustained damage on Eldorado Avenue, on the north end of the beach.
Photos from the Clearwater Police Department show the damage on Clearwater Beach.
We’re on scene along with @clearwaterfire of an apparent #tornado touchdown on north #clearwaterbeach — there is damage to two houses but thankfully no injuries at this time. pic.twitter.com/zsG12DiZ50
— Clearwater Police Department (@myclearwaterPD) October 12, 2023
Preliminary reporting out of the National Weather Service shows the Clearwater tornado had maximum winds of 115 mph, and the Citrus tornado had maximum winds of 125 mph.
Tony Hurt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Ruskin, said this activity is more common during El Niño winters like the one we're approaching.
"Starting right now, in the fall going into the winter, a lot of times we have a more active subtropical jet stream, which requires a lot more wind shear," Hurt said, adding storms that produce tornadoes are dependent on that wind shear to organize.
The Citrus County School District cancelled classes on Thursday after the tornado caused damage at schools overnight, and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office reports several roads — including a portion of U.S. 19 — were closed in Crystal River.
"The west side of Citrus County has experienced significant damage from an unconfirmed tornado(s) which hit the area overnight," the Citrus County School District posted on Facebook on Thursday morning.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office also shared photos of damage:
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office also reports damage in Dunedin.
According to a statement, the storms knocked down trees and power lines, and some residences sustained moderate damage. No injuries were reported.
There was also "moderate to severe storm damage" near Causeway Boulevard and Alternate 19, including some structural damage to businesses at Causeway Plaza.
Mobile homes in Honeymoon Island Mobile Home Park and Harbor Pointe Condos sustained severe damage, according to the statement.
Posts on social media show some of the damage in Dunedin.
Tornado last night near Dunedin Causeway Florida!
— Live Storm Chasers (@LiveStormChaser) October 12, 2023
Source/Holly Slay
pic.twitter.com/IGWrQoqJ2q
Caption this! Port a potty door in a street light. Dunedin, Florida. From last nights Tornado warned storm. pic.twitter.com/fUQjI1XKO6
— Mike's Weather Page (@tropicalupdate) October 12, 2023
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for much of the Tampa Bay area until 3 p.m. Coastal areas are under high surf and flood advisories, and are at risk for strong rip currents.
Pinellas County officials are also reporting higher than normal tides are expected into Thursday afternoon. These could cause potential localized flooding in coastal areas and on the barrier islands around the time of high tide.
This is as an area of low pressure continues to produce widespread downpours across parts of the state.
Meteorologist Megan Borowski, with the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, says areas from the Big Bend to just south of the I-4 corridor are still at risk for flash flooding and severe thunderstorms.
"Continued rain — with rain rates heavy at times — could lead to local ponding and flooding," Borowski said. "Additionally, areas generally west of I-75 are more prone to having a rogue strong thunderstorm track overhead this morning.
"But all of North Florida, Central Florida, and the eastern Panhandle should be alert and prepared for isolated damaging wind gusts or a quick tornado spin-up."
Borowski says rain chances should taper off from west to east this afternoon. Additional rain showers are possible Friday and over the weekend as another front approaches from the west.
Information from WUSF staff writer Jessica Meszaros, the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, and the Associated Press was used in this report.
