MEXICO BEACH, Fla. – Two tornadoes touched down along Florida’s Gulf Coast early Monday, causing scattered damage in Mexico Beach and near Salt Creek, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee. The stronger of the two storms hit Mexico Beach around 6:30 a.m. with peak winds near 100 mph, carving a 1.23-mile path and reaching up to 270 yards wide.
According to the Weather Service, a second, weaker EF-0 tornado with 70 mph winds briefly touched down minutes later near Salt Creek, traveling about half a mile before dissipating. No injuries or deaths were reported from either tornado.
Survey teams also found additional wind damage southeast of Mexico Beach that’s believed to be caused by straight-line winds between 70 and 80 mph from the same supercell’s rear-flank downdraft. Officials continue to analyze satellite and radar data, and all ratings remain preliminary pending review.
Residents are urged to check for updated advisories as cleanup continues and more storm assessments are completed through the week.
