Power Outage in Okeechobee, FL

An analysis of radar imagery, photos, and videos as well as a damage assessment conducted by the Okeechobee County Emergency Management indicate that a straight-line wind event caused damage in the City of Okeechobee around 620 pm EDT on Thursday, Jun 15, 2023. Peak winds during the event were estimated between 65 to 75|mph.||Damaging winds began near the intersection of US Hwy 441 and SE 37th Ct where a fast food restaurant drive-thru awning was lifted and bent. A swath of damage continued toward the northeast across US Hwy 441, where a small section of the roof of a grocery store was torn back. Additionally, a mobile home in the nearby community of Heritage Village lost a part of its roof when its porch awning was torn away by the strong winds. Minor damage was reported at the local flea market facility where some of the metal sheathing of the roof, and a small barn, were blown into the adjacent field and across SE 28th St. Several fallen trees and a downed powerline were also confirmed by fire and emergency management officials.

Hurricane Ian's slow movement and large wind field led to a long period of tropical storm force winds, with hurricane force gusts in squalls, in Okeechobee County. Emergency management officials reported trees and power lines downed, as well as some damage to roofs, awnings, fences, and pool enclosures due to strong winds, which surface observations indicated peaked between 65 and 75 mph. A county damage assessment indicated 45 structures affected, 113 with minor damage, 35 with major damage, and 2 destroyed due to strong winds. The combined effects of Hurricane Ian led to a total estimated damage of approximately $1.4M. No storm related deaths were reported by the county.

Strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts in and near the city of Okeechobee downed power and cable lines as well as snapping several small tree branches during the late morning hours on December 21st.

As major Hurricane Matthew passed east of the Treasure Coast during the early morning hours of October 7, several hours of frequent wind gusts to minimal tropical storm force impacted Okeechobee County. Only minor roof damage was reported to one home. Up to 2,300 customers were without power at the height of the storm.

Several wooden power poles to the northeast of Okeechobee, near 7200 U.S. Highway 441 North, were tilted by severe thunderstorm winds, with the two poles experiencing broken cross members. While a funnel cloud was reported in the area (see separate event), the wind damage appeared to be due to straight line winds.

Strong thunderstorm winds swept across U.S. Highway 441 just north of the city of Okeechobee blowing down power lines and a few trees.

Strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph occurred across portions of east central Florida during the late morning and early afternoon hours on December 21st as a low pressure area moved across central Florida. Minor damage of downed power and cable lines occurred in the city of Okeechobee along with several small tree branches snapped.