Fort Myers, FL – A series of tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton tore through Florida on Oct. 9, 2024, leaving a path of destruction that included a golf course and a solar farm in its wake. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported multiple tornadoes from the storm, ranging in strength up to EF2, with severe impacts across Lee and Highlands counties.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Fort Myers, where an EF2 tornado reached peak winds of 116 mph. Beginning near Page Field Airport, the tornado cut through residential neighborhoods, inflicting roof and tree damage before it entered the grounds of the Fort Myers Country Club. Trees were uprooted, and debris scattered across the course, disrupting the landscape. The tornado moved onward, eventually lifting near the Caloosahatchee River, sparing additional areas from further harm. According to NWS, while the tornado spared the club’s buildings from major damage, the landscape restoration could be lengthy due to the extent of tree loss.
Meanwhile, in Lake Placid, another EF2 tornado caused significant damage to a mobile home park and a solar farm. This tornado, with peak winds of 130 mph, tracked nearly three miles across the area. It initially struck along the shoreline of Lake Clay, damaging 20 to 30 units in the Tropical Harbor Mobile Home community. Residents reported extensive roof and structural damage, with carports and patios also affected. The storm continued toward a nearby solar farm, where it tore off solar panels and compromised the structural integrity of the installation. Solar farm operators are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, which is anticipated to impact local energy production.
According to the NWS, these tornadoes were part of a larger system of storms tied to Hurricane Milton. Additional tornadoes were documented in Matlacha and other rural parts of Highlands County. Storm assessments are ongoing as officials continue to gather and verify damage reports across the affected regions.
