Power Outage in Tampa, FL

Power poles and 3-inch tree limbs broken along N. 52nd St. in Temple Terrace.

Power lines were reported down at the intersection of Sligh Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway.

Power lines were reported down on Palm Drive.

Broadcast media reported power lines blocking the road near Patterson Road and Glass Lake Drive.

A large tree fell onto a SUV in a parking lot while a man waited inside the vehicle for the storm to subside. The man was not injured. The tree also pulled down powerlines.

Tree limbs and power lines were reported down on the corner of Shaw Road and Ehrlich Road.

Gusty winds knocked downed a tree, which in turn severed power lines near East Osborne Avenue and North 37th Street in Tampa. The power lines electrified a fence, and two children sustained minor injuries when they touched the fence. Wind reports from around the area were all less than 40 knots.

Thunderstorm wind gusts knocked down power lines along the Courtney Campbell Causeway near the Rocky Point area on the evening of the 12th. The downed power lines apparently went unnoticed until the morning of the 13th, when a 47 year old man riding a bicycle was electrocuted and killed by the live wires.

Tampa Fire Rescue reported that a roof was blown off a building at the intersection of 56th Street and Hanna Avenue in East Tampa. There were also several power lines down in the same area. Pea sized hail was also reported at the location.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office relayed reports of a large limb falling down and knocking out a power line near Dale Mabry Avenue and West Kirby Street. Additionally, a power pole and lines were knocked down near near North Clark Avenue and Pinecrest Manor Boulevard. Time was estimated by radar.

Broadcast media relayed a report of a power pole down on a car on Forest Land Drive in Tampa, FL, near the intersection of Gunn Highway and Anderson Road. Time was estimated by radar.

Trained spotter reports numerous 3 to 4 inch diameter tree branches down on Benjamin Road just north of Sligh Avenue. A power pole and wires were leaning into a tree on the side of the road.

Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported tree branches and power lines down in the Westchase area. Time of damage was estimated from radar.

Several wooden power poles snapped in Brandon along State Road 60 west of Interstate 75 but nearby trees were undamaged. There were sporadic reports of trees downed and numerous broken branches. The wind damaged the roof of small strip mall as the tar paper peeled back. Water entered the building and caused more damage. One of the downed trees crashed through the roof of a home in Sulphur Springs. People inside the home were not injured. The storm intensified into a wet microburst after an outflow boundary from a previous storm collided with the storm over Brandon. No injuries were reported.

Several wooden power poles snapped in Brandon along State Road 60 west of Interstate 75 but nearby trees were undamaged. There were sporadic reports of trees downed and numerous broken branches. The wind damaged the roof of small strip mall as the tar paper peeled back. Water entered the building and caused more damage. One of the downed trees crashed through the roof of a home in Sulphur Springs. People inside the home were not injured. The storm intensified into a wet microburst after an outflow boundary from a previous storm collided with the storm over Brandon. No injuries were reported.

A tornado downed trees and power lines in the Lutz area. The tornado approached Interstate 275, but there were no reports of it crossing the Interstate.

Several power poles and power lines were downed near the Crosstown Expressway and 50th Street.

Powerlines and trees were down near 78th St and Causeway Blvd.

The tornado touched down briefly, snapping three power lines in an industrial park on Industrial Drive and moving through an open field before lifting and shifting its track to the southeast. The tornado then touched down again on Vanderbaker Road, moved across Grand Circle and East River Drive, before lifting along Broxburn Avenue. Several large but damaged trees were uprooted, including one that fell onto a house, numerous large branches were snapped off, and some decorative shutters were blown off of the front of a house along the path. Winds were estimated at 80mph.

The Tampa Police Department reported downed tree limbs and power lines near Armenia and Interstate 275.

Hurricane Charley created tropical storm force winds that brushed the far eastern part of the county with a wind gust of 61 mph recorded in Plant City. Damage was light and was limited to Plant City and areas to the south. The damage included downed trees and branches, sporadic power outages due to downed lines, and homes with fascia ripped off. Protective measures by the county before the storm totaled $425,000. The estimated damage was calculated by doubling the insured losses. The doubling accounted for uninsured losses and damage to the public infrastructure.

Trees and power lines down at the intersection of Gunn Highway and Erhlich Road.

A thunderstorm wind gust estimated at 60 mph created 2.5 miles of damage near the Tampa International Airport according to a survey completed by Hillsborough County Emergency Management. Tree damage brought down power lines near the 5800 block of Benjamin Road. The damage extended southeast to the intersection of North Clark and Idlewild. A portion of a tar roof on home on West Hanna Avenue blew off and allowed heavy rains to cause significant water damage inside the home.

The broadcast media reported that thunderstorm winds had downed a billboard and power lines near the intersection of Himes Avenue and West Columbus Drive. Falling tree branches brought down more power lines down about one mile to the north on North Grady Avenue, causing 200 homes to lose power.

The thunderstorm struck near Hillsborough Avenue and Town N Country Boulevard toppling two fireworks tents and the rain ruined all of their products. Two people in one of the tents received minor injuries of cuts and scrapes during the event. A utility company reported numerous tree limbs and power lines down from Town N County to three miles north of Town N Country.

A local utility company reported numerous trees and power lines reported down.

Trees, limbs, and power lines were down in the Lake Magdalene and New Tampa Area.

Power lines were down in the Citrus Park area due to fallen trees and limbs.

Sheriff report of golf ball size hail with power and traffic lights out.

A Tampa Electric Power representative reported thunderstorm winds downed a few large trees, several branches and power lines from Citrus Park to Lutz.

National Weather Service damage survey concluded that straight-line thunderstorm winds uprooted three large trees, snapped one power pole, downed several large branches and power lines between the 3900 and 4300 block of Turkey Creek Road in rural northeast Hillsborough county.

Skywarn Spotters and law enforcement reported that thunderstorms downed several trees, numerous large branches and power lines from the Town N' Country area of northwest Tampa to Temple Terrace.

The Tampa Police Department reported that thunderstorm winds downed a few large trees and power lines along Armenia Avenue and Broad Street in Tampa.

The Tampa Electric Company reported that thunderstorm winds downed a few trees and power lines from Lutz to New Tampa in northern Hillsborough county.

Thunderstorm winds damaged a roof and lanai, downed a few trees, several branches and power lines near the intersection of Ola and Country Club Drive in the Carrollwood area of Tampa.

Tampa Electric Power Company officials reported that thunderstorm winds downed a few large trees, several branches and power lines from near the University of Tampa northeast to near Ybor City.

Tampa Electric Power Company officials reported that thunderstorm winds downed several large trees, branches and power lines from Davis Island southeast to Gibsonton in central Hillsborough county.

Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported that thunderstorm winds toppled several large trees and downed power lines in the "Town n Country" area of western Hillsborough county.

Monetary losses do not include insured losses. Fatalities are preliminary until the Florida Medical Examiner releases the official information. This document will be updated once released. ||Hurricane Irma made landfall on Marco Island as a Category 3 hurricane on the afternoon of the 10th and traveled north through southwest Florida through the morning of the 11th. Prior to making landfall in southwest Florida, Irma had previously reached Category 5 strength and made landfalls in Cuba and the Florida Keys. At it's peak, Irma had a central pressure of 914 mb. ||The maximum storm surge in southwest Florida was 3.88 feet in Fort Myers at midnight EST on the 11th. Subtracting the astronomical tide of 0.04 feet, the maximum storm tide was calculated from the tide gauge as 3.28 feet MHHW at 2:36 PM EST on the 11th. Farther north, the storm surge was generally less than 3 feet. Due to the track making landfall south of the area then moving north and parallel but inland of the coast, strong offshore flow north of the eye produced in even stronger negative storm surge before the positive surge in most areas as water was pushed away from the coast. ||Rain from Irma started to accumulate over southwest Florida and interior parts of west central Florida on the morning and afternoon of the 10th, with most of the area seeing the highest rain totals during the early morning hours of the 11th. The rain then largely ended by mid morning on the 11th. Most of the area saw rainfall accumulations of 5-10 inches, with some isolated spots seeing totals of over 15 inches. The highest rain total reported was 18.65 inches at the home weather station D1496 in Beverly Hills in Citrus County. The widespread heavy rain caused significant river flooding issues across west central and southwest Florida, with major flooding being observed at points on the Withlacoochee, Anclote, Hillsborough, Alafia, Little Manatee, and Peace Rivers as well as the Horse Creek. ||The collective effects of Hurricane Irma in west central and southwest Florida during the period of September 10 and 11 resulted in 2 direct fatalities, 14 indirect fatalities, an estimated $2.2 billion in property damage (adding individual assistance claims and public assistance claims, not including the cost of debris removal and emergency protective measures when known), and $379 million in crop damage. A total of 509 homes and businesses were destroyed, 5,589 had major damage, 18,834 sustained minor damage, and 61,920 were affected by Hurricane Irma in west central and southwest Florida.||County-by-County Impacts||Lee County - In inland portions of Lee county, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 77 knots at the ASOS at Southwest Florida International Airport during the late afternoon on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 11.59 inches at a mesonet site at the waste plant on Buckingham Road in Fort Myers. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines, while heavy rain also causing flood damage to many homes. Lee County Emergency Management reported that 92 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 2088 sustained major damage, 1721 had minor damage, and an additional 20426 were affected throughout Lee County. The total property damage from Irma in Lee County was estimated at $826.28 million in individual damage assessments, of which, $163.14 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Lee County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Lee County was roughly estimated at $9.6 million. In coastal portions of Lee county, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 73 knots at the ASOS at Fort Myers Page Field during the late afternoon on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.60 inches at the ASOS at Fort Myers Page Field. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines, while heavy rain also caused flood damage to numerous homes. Lee County Emergency Management reported that 92 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 2088 sustained major damage, 1721 had minor damage, and an additional 20,426 were affected throughout Lee County. The maximum storm surge was 3.88 feet in Fort Myers at midnight EST on the 11th. Subtracting the astronomical tide of 0.04 feet, the maximum storm tide was calculated from the tide gauge as 3.28 feet MHHW 1436EST on the 11th. The total damage from Irma in Lee County was estimated at $826.28 million in individual assistance assessments, of which, $163.14 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Lee County. There was one direct fatality reported in Bonita Springs, when a 74 year old man fell down stairs near his home on the 11th. Due to the hurricane conditions, paramedics were not able to reach him for several hours, and he died on the 16th.||Charlotte County - In coastal portions of Charlotte County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 64 knots at the ASOS at Punta Gorda Airport during the early evening on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 8.08 inches at the CoCoRaHS station FL-CH-13 in Port Charlotte. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Charlotte County Emergency Management reported that 5 homes or businesses sustained major damage and an additional 200 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Charlotte County. The total property damage from Irma in Charlotte County was estimated at $23 million, including $3 million in individual assistance claims, and $20 million in public assistance claims including for debris removal and emergency protective measures. An estimated $2.9 million was caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Charlotte County. Emergency management reported that sea walls collapsed when water left the Charlotte Harbor during the negative storm surge ahead of the storm, causing an estimated $20 million in damage. Timing was estimated by using the nearby tide gauge in Fort Myers, where the negative surge bottomed out at around -4 feet MLLW at around 1800EST on the 10th, then surged to a positive surge of just over 3 feet at about 0500EST on the 11th, before slowly receding through the rest of the day. Charlotte county emergency management reported that the negative surge caused sea walls to collapse, causing an estimated $20 million in public assistance claims. In inland portions of Charlotte County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 9.76 inches at mesonet station at Whidden Properties (WHID) near the eastern border of Charlotte County. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Charlotte County Emergency Management reported that 5 homes or businesses sustained major damage and an additional 200 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Charlotte County. The total property damage from Irma in Charlotte County was estimated at $23 million, including $3 million in individual assistance claims, and $20 million in public assistance claims including for debris removal and emergency protective measures. An estimated $100,000 of that damage was caused by wind damage in inland portions of Charlotte County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Charlotte County was roughly estimated at $15.9 million.||Sarasota County - In coastal portions of Sarasota County, the highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 70 knots at the home weather station AP859 in Sarasota during the evening on the 10th. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total of 10.32 inches at the CWOP station C7986 in Laurel. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Sarasota Emergency Management reported that 4 homes sustained major damage, 10 had minor damage, and 438 were affected. The total property damage from Irma in Sarasota County was estimated at $10.73 million, including $2.47 million in individual assistance claims and $8.26 million in public assistance claims. In inland portions of Sarasota County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots using surrounding observations. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Sarasota County was roughly estimated at $2.2 million.||Manatee County - In coastal portions of Manatee County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. The highest wind gust reported in coastal Manatee County was 61 knots at the ASOS at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 6.86 inches at the GOES station LWDF1 in Lake Ward. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Manatee County Emergency Management reported that 14 homes or businesses were destroyed, 170 sustained major damage, 196 had minor damage, and an additional 2061 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Manatee County. The total damage from Irma in Manatee County was estimated at $18.3 million in individual assistance claims, of which, $15.3 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Manatee County. One direct fatality was reported in Manatee County when an 89 year old man told his wife he was going out to secure their boat to their dock during the storm and was later found unresponsive in the canal. In inland portions of Manatee County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 6.65 inches at the HADS station MKHF1. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Manatee County Emergency Management reported that 14 homes or businesses were destroyed, 170 sustained major damage, 196 had minor damage, and an additional 2061 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Manatee County. The total property damage from Irma in Manatee County was estimated at $18.3 million in individual assistance claims, of which, $3 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Manatee County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Manatee County was roughly estimated at $23.5 million.||DeSoto County - The wind gusts from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60 to 70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 11.34 inches at the CoCoRaHS station FL-DS-1 in Arcadia. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Additional damaged occurred due to the high rain totals causing flooding on the Peace River and the Horse Creek. The total property damage from DeSoto County is unknown at this time. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in DeSoto County was roughly estimated at $71 million.||Hardee County - The highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 69 knots at the Hardee County Emergency Operations Center in Wauchula. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.58 inches at a mesonet station in Zolfo Springs. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hardee County Emergency Management reported that 10 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 20 sustained major damage, 71 had minor damage, and an additional 59 were affected. Additional damage occurred due to the high rain totals causing flooding on the Peace River. An EF-1 tornado was also found to have briefly touched down in Wauchula along US Highway 17 causing roof and power pole damage. The total property damage from Hardee County was estimated at $3.32 million, of which, $1.64 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Hardee County was roughly estimated at $57.5 million.||Highlands County - The highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a (3 second average) gust to 85 knots at Archbold Bio Station during the evening on the 10th. Elsewhere, the AWOS in Sebring registered a 5 second average gust to 75 knots. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.31 inches at the CoCoRaHS station FL-HL-13 in Sebring. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Highlands County Emergency Management reported that 144 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 963 sustained major damage, 2408 had minor damage, and an additional 9623 were affected. The total property damage from Highlands County was estimated at $360 million in individual assistance claims, most of which was estimated to be caused by wind damage. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Highlands County was roughly estimated at $70 million. There were four indirect fatalities from Irma in Highlands County. On the 9th, a 55 year old man fell off a ladder in Lake Placid while preparing his home. The man hit his head and died at a Tampa hospital on the 10th. A 56 year old man in Sebring collapsed while trimming trees on the 12th and died. The medical examiner determined that heart disease was the primary cause of death. A 62 year old man was found dead in his garage in Sebring on the 15th with a generator in the on position and out of gas. The medical examiner determined he died of carbon monoxide poisoning. A 23 year old man was electrocuted and died while trimming trees and clearing storm debris in Sebring on the 26th.||Polk County - The highest wind reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 75 knots at the APRS station AR663 near Bartow. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 17.61 inches at the CWOP station E1114 in Davenport. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Most notably, the wind removed a 7 story tall section of facade from the Winter Haven Senior Living Center. Polk County Emergency Management reported that 96 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 1604 sustained major damage, 7710 had minor damage, and an additional 18537 were affected. The total property damage from Polk County was estimated at $69 million in public assistance claims, including from debris removal and emergency protective measures, most of which coming from wind damage. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Polk County was roughly estimated at $93.5 million. One tornado was found to have touched down near Old Polk City Road near Lakeland, causing EF2 damage. Three indirect fatalities were reported in Polk County from Irma. A 7 year old girl died from carbon monoxide poisoning on the 13th in Lakeland due to a gas generator being run indoors. A 63 year old man died in Winterhaven on the 13th while conducting post hurricane work on his home. The medical examiner listed the primary cause of death as heart disease. A 77 year old died in Lakeland on the 17th after he fell while staying at a hurricane shelter.||Hillsborough County - In coastal portions of Hillsborough County, the highest winds reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 79 knots at the WeatherFlow station XEGM at Egmont Key. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 16.18 inches at the CWOP site D3252 in Tampa. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported that 41 homes or businesses were destroyed, 130 sustained major damage, 166 had minor damage, and an additional 93 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Hillsborough County. The track of Irma resulted in a much stronger negative surge north of the eye, causing extremely low water levels. A couple of manatees got beached in the mud, and there was a lot of media coverage showing people walking out into the dry part of the bay to rescue them. No significant damage was reported from either the negative surge or the weak positive surge. The total damage from Irma in Hillsborough County was estimated at $19.95 million, including $17.86 million in individual assistance claims and $2.09 million in public assistance claims, of which, $7 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Hillsborough County. Three indirect fatalities were reported in Hillsborough County from Hurricane Irma. A 55 year old man in Town N' Country was trimming a damaged tree with a chainsaw when a branch fell on the chainsaw, causing it to kick upward and strike him in the neck. A 60 year old man fell from a ladder in Tampa while cutting branches and died on the 14th. A 61 year old man also died on the 14th while cleaning up yard debris when a branch knocked the ladder out from under him, causing him to fall to the ground. In inland portions of Hillsborough County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 60-70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total 7.62 inches at the COOP site PLCF1 in Plant City. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hillsborough County Emergency Management reported that 41 homes or businesses were destroyed, 130 sustained major damage, 166 had minor damage, and an additional 93 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Hillsborough County. Heavy rains across the area also resulted in widespread river flooding, with rising water levels damaging houses on the Hillsborough River, the Alafia River, and the Little Manatee River in Hillsborough County. The total damage from Irma in Hillsborough County was estimated at $19.95 million, including $17.86 million in individual assistance claims and $2.09 million in public assistance claims, of which, $6.95 million was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Hillsborough County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Hillsborough County was roughly estimated at $28.5 million.||Pinellas County - In Pinellas County, the highest winds reported from Hurricane Irma was a gust to 77 knots at Pier 60 Park. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total 5.98 inches at the the GOES station BTRF1 in Tarpon Springs. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Pinellas County Emergency Management reported that 77 homes or businesses were destroyed, 533 sustained major damage, 5761 had minor damage, and an additional 11,935 were affected by hurricane Irma throughout Pinellas County. The track of Irma resulted in a much stronger negative surge north of the eye, causing extremely low water levels in the Tampa Bay. No significant damage was reported from either the negative surge or the weak positive surge. The total damage from Irma in Pinellas County was estimated at $594.45 million, including $588.08 million in individual assistance claims and $6.37 million in public assistance claims, most of which was caused by wind damage. One indirect fatality was reported in Pinellas County from Hurricane Irma. A 53 year old man was repairing cable lines in Feather Sound on the 16th when he fell 20 feet from a ladder. The medical examiner ruled that heart disease was a contributing factor.||Pasco County - In coastal portions of Pasco County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be 60-70 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total 6.83 inches at the GOES site LWOF1 near Port Richey. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. The total damage from Irma in Pasco County was estimated at $860,000 in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, of which, $200,0000 was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Pasco County. One indirect fatality was reported in Port Richey on the 8th when a 69 year old man evacuating ahead of Irma crashed into a tree. In Inland Pasco County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40-60 knots, with the highest wind reported was a gust to 48 knots at the WeatherFlow station XLOL in Land O' Lakes. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 9.64 inches at the GOES station WRCF1 in Richland. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. The non-insured property damage in Pasco County was estimated at $10,303,487, including for debris removal and emergency protective measures. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Pasco County was roughly estimated at $7.3 million.||Hernando County - In coastal portions of Hernando County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 36 knots at the WeatherFlow station XWKI in Weeki Wachee. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 10.31 inches at a mesonet station near the Withlacoochee River at Trilby. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hernando County Emergency Management reported that 26 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 45 sustained major damage, 103 had minor damage, and an additional 112 were affected. The total damage from Hernando County was estimated at $6.1 million, including $800,000 in individual assistance claims, and $5.3 million in public assistance claims. Roughly $500,000 of that was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal portions of Hernando County. In inland portions of Hernando County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Hernando County Emergency Management reported that 26 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 45 sustained major damage, 103 had minor damage, and an additional 112 were affected throughout the county. The total property damage in Hernando County was estimated at $6.1 million, including $800,000 in individual assistance claims and $5.3 million in public assistance claims. Roughly $600,000 of that was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland portions of Hernando County. Additionally, crop damage to citrus plants in Hernando County was roughly estimated at $600,000.||Citrus County - In coastal portions of Citrus County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40 to 60 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater. The wind knocked over numerous trees and power lines throughout the county. The total damage from Hurricane Irma in Citrus County was estimated at $5.9 million in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, roughly half of which was estimated to be for wind damage in coastal Citrus County. In inland portions of Citrus County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 40-60 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 56 knots at the CWOP station D1496 in Beverly Hills. Rainfall was generally around 6 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 18.65 inches at the CWOP station D1496 in Beverly Hills. The wind resulted knocked over numerous trees and power lines. The total damage from Hurricane Irma in Citrus County was estimated at $5.9 million in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, roughly half of which was estimated to be for wind damage in inland Citrus County.||Sumter County - Winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be tropical storm force around 40-60 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 53 knots at the CWOP station D5322 in The Villages. Rainfall was generally around 8 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 11.34 inches at a mesonet station in Compressco. The wind resulted in damage to numerous homes and businesses, as well as knocking over trees and power lines. Sumter County Emergency Management reported that 5 homes or businesses were destroyed by Irma, 27 sustained major damage, and 688 had minor damage. The total damage in Sumter County was estimated at $19 million, which included $5 million in individual assistance claims, and $14 million in public assistance claims including debris removal and emergency protective measures.||Levy County - In coastal portions of Levy County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots, with the highest wind reported being a gust to 48 knots at the RAWS station SWNF1 near Yellow Jacket. Rainfall was generally around 4 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 6.33 inches at a mesonet station in Yankeetown. The wind knocked down trees and power lines throughout the county. The total damage in Levy County was estimated at $260,000 in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, half of which was estimated to be caused by wind damage in coastal Levy County. In inland portions of Levy County, winds from Hurricane Irma were estimated to be around 34 to 50 knots based on surrounding observations. Rainfall was generally around 5 inches or greater, with the highest rain total being 7.92 inches at the CoCoRaHS site FL-LV-9 in Chiefland. The wind knocked down numerous trees and power lines. The total damage in Levy County was estimated at $260,000 in public assistance claims, including debris removal and emergency protective measures, half of which was estimated to be caused by wind damage in inland Levy County.

Late afternoon thunderstorms, developing along seabreeze boundary interactions produced gusty winds. A 47 year old man died when he came into contact with downed power lines in Hillsborough County. A lightning strike also set fire to a house in Clearwater.

Daytime heating combined with a potent upper level system allowed for strong to severe storms to develop throughout the area. Many were sub-severe however a few reached severe limits causing damage to homes, trees and power lines.

Scattered thunderstorms moved into the region producing damaging wind gusts. Numerous trees and power lines were knocked down by the thunderstorms.

Sea breeze boundary collisions took place along the I-75 corridor. Easterly flow pushed the storms into the Tampa metro area producing strong winds and damage to trees, powerlines and area homes.

With an already cold air mass in place, a cold front moved through the area on January 8th. An upper disturbance then passed over the area on January 9th, causing some areas from Tampa north to experience sleet and snow flurries mixed with the light rain. Very cold and very dry Arctic high pressure then built into the area causing temperatures to plummet into the teens and twenties across the area each morning from January 10th through January 12th, and remain below freezing for numerous hours each night. The morning of January 11th was the coldest of all the mornings. Numerous minimum temperature records were broken at several recording stations across the area each night. ||The extent of the cold combined with the multiple day duration caused significant damage to crops across the area. Marine life also suffered greatly, with the aquaculture industry devastated and wildlife enduring numerous fish kills and rescue efforts for manatees and sea turtles due to the Gulf of Mexico water temperatures dropping into the upper 40s. Nearly 200 of the roughly 5,000 manatee population perished from the cold. There were 47 sea turtles rescued from local beaches, 10 of which perished from the cold. Saltwater snook, bonefish, and tarpon endured widespread fish kills and caused the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to extend the closed fishing seasons until September for snook and until April for bonefish and tarpon. Freshwater tilapia also suffered widespread kills, with some lakes reporting up to 95 percent of the population killed. ||Estimates of the crop damage are listed below by county. Preliminary commodity losses were computed using data from the Florida Department of Agriculture. This data included the measurable loss of shipments from average for each commodity which led to an estimated $249.5 million in damage in Florida due to the freeze events in January. The largest impact was on the tomato crop with an estimated 5.1 million cases lost. Other losses in order of greatest impact included tangerines, oranges, bell peppers, snap beans and strawberries. ||Levy county felt freezing temperatures for 12 to 14 hours across the county, with temperatures falling below 28 degrees for 8 to 10 hours. The Usher Tower cooperative station near Chiefland recorded the coldest minimum temperature across the county of 15 degrees, which broke the previous record low of 21 degrees set in 1982 and 1959. Levy county has 44,870 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $5.30 million in damages to crops.||Citrus county experienced freezing temperatures for 12 to 14 hours, with temperatures falling below 28 degrees for 6 to 8 hours. The cooperative station near Inverness recorded a low of 18 degrees, which broke the previous record low of 25 degrees set in 1959. The coldest temperature experienced across the county occurred at a site near Holder, with a low of 14 degrees. The average temperature for the month at the Inverness cooperative station was the fourth coldest since records began in 1948. Citrus county has 6,146 acres of harvested farmland, which is approximately $0.73 million in crop damages. ||Sumter county had below freezing temperatures for around 9 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for around 4 hours. The station near Bushnell recorded the lowest temperature across the county of 22 degrees, with the AWOS station at The Villages recording a low of 23 degrees. The county has 16,222 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $1.92 million in damages to crops.||Hernando county had below freezing temperatures for 10 to 15 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 5 to 6 hours. The Chin Hill cooperative station near Brooksville recorded a low of 23 degrees, which broke the previous record of 26 degrees set in 1942 and ended up being the sixth coldest month since records began in 1892. The ASOS station at the Hernando County Airport recorded the lowest temperature across the county of 14 degrees. Hernando county has 8,212 acres of harvested farmland, which is approximately $0.97 million in crop damages. ||Pasco county had below freezing temperatures for 10 to 14 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 2 to 4 hours. The St. Leo cooperative station experienced a low of 27 degrees, with the lowest temperature across the county recorded at a mesonet station in north Dade City of 23 degrees. The average temperature for the month at the St. Leo cooperative station was the sixth coldest since records began in 1895. Pasco county has 20,673 acres of harvested farmland, which is approximately $2.44 million in crop damages. ||Pinellas county did not suffer damages to crops and had less than 100 acres of harvested farmland in 2007. A 77-year-old man, his 72-year-old wife, and their 41-year-old daughter were hospitalized from being sickened by carbon monoxide after using a charcoal barbecue grill to heat their home for 12 hours due to the power going out from a blown transformer. The low temperature recorded at the Albert Whitted Airport was 35 degrees and the high temperature was 42 degrees, which set a new record low maximum temperature record. The previous record low maximum temperature was 48 degrees set in 1970. ||Hillsborough county recorded an unofficial low temperature of 19 degrees from a home weather station in Valrico. The low temperature recorded at the Tampa International Airport was 28 degrees, and the high was 43 degrees, setting a new record low maximum temperature. The previous record low maximum was 49 degrees set in 1970. The average temperature for the month at the ASOS station at the Tampa International Airport was the sixth coldest since records began in 1890. Hillsborough county has 44,661 acres of harvested farmland, which is approximately $5.28 million in crop damages. The Florida Aquaculture Industry suffered approximately $5.2 million in damages across the county. Excessive water pumping occurred at farms during this period to protect strawberries and other fruits, which caused a lowering of the water table in eastern Hillsborough county. The result was 751 complaints of dried-up residential wells and $2.6 million to stabilize 80 sinkholes from Seffner through Plant City. Major highways, Interstate 4, and several homes were damaged by the sink holes. More than 1,600 water distribution pipes throughout the city of Tampa suffered breaks. The damage varies from water mains to residential hookups and repair costs are estimated at $400,000. A minor leak formed in the Rowlett Park dam when the low water temperatures caused an epoxy seal on a concrete seam to contract and break. Costs to repair the leak are $15,000. Tampa Fire Rescue responded to several fires started by a space heater and malfunctioning fireplace and home heating unit. ||Polk county had below freezing temperatures for 10 to 14 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 3 to 4 hours. The cooperative station at the Lakeland Linder Airport recorded a low of 23 degrees, breaking the previous low of 31 degrees set in 1977. The lowest temperature across the county of 16 degrees was recorded at a mesonet station in Kathleen. The average temperature for the month at the Plant City cooperative station was the sixth coldest since records began in 1892. The average temperature for the month at the Lakeland cooperative station was the eigth coldest since records began in 1915. The county has 115,721 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $13.67 million in crop damages. The Florida Aquaculture Industry suffered approximately $1.8 million in damages across the county.||Manatee county had below freezing temperatures for 5 to 7 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for around 3 hours. The ASOS station at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport recorded a low of 28 degrees, breaking the previous low of 29 degrees set in 1959. The lowest temperature across the county of 24 degrees was recorded at the cooperative station near Duette. The average temperature for the month at the ASOS station at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport was the fifth coldest since records began in 1948. The county has 58,920 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $6.96 million in crop damages. The Florida Aquaculture Industry suffered approximately $0.9 million in damages across the county.||Hardee county had below freezing temperatures for around 12 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 4 to 6 hours. The FAWN station at Ona recorded the lowest temperature across the county of 25 degrees, with a station at Wauchula recording a low of 28 degrees. The county has 53,378 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $6.31 million in damages to crops.||Desoto county had below freezing temperatures for around 12 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 4 to 6 hours. The FAWN station at Arcadia recorded the lowest temperature across the county of 24 degrees. The county has 63,585 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $7.51 million in damages to crops.||Highlands county had below freezing temperatures for 7 to 9 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 4 to 6 hours. The cooperative station at Archbold recorded the lowest temperature across the county of 21 degrees, breaking the previous low of 22 degrees set in 1970. The average temperature for the month at the Avon Park cooperative station was the third coldest since records began in 1901. The county has 83,516 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $9.87 million in crop damages.||Sarasota county had below freezing temperatures for 5 to 7 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 1 to 2 hours. The FAWN station at North Port recorded the lowest temperature across the county of 27 degrees, with the C-MAN station at Venice recording a low of 31 degrees. The county has 5,969 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $0.71 million in damages to crops. The Florida Aquaculture Industry suffered approximately $0.9 million in damages across the county.||Charlotte county had below freezing temperatures for around 10 hours, with temperatures below 28 degrees for 2 to 3 hours. The cooperative station at Punta Gorda recorded a low of 28 degrees, breaking the previous low of 30 degrees set in 1970. The lowest temperature across the county of 23 degrees was set at a station in Port Charlotte. The average temperature for the month at the ASOS station at the Charlotte County Airport was the third coldest since records began in 1965. The county has 21,663 acres of harvested farmland, which translates into approximately $2.56 million in crop damages.||Lee county had below freezing temperatures for 3 to 6 hours. The ASOS station at Fort Myers/Page Field recorded a low of 31 degrees, breaking the previous low of 32 degrees set in 1959. The lowest temperature across the county of 28 degrees was set at a station in Lehigh Acres. The average temperature for the month at the ASOS station at Fort Myers/Page Field was the tenth coldest since records began in 1902. The county has 18,308 acres of harvested farmland, which is approximately $2.16 million in crop damages.

Tropical Storm Barry began as a westward moving tropical wave that created a broad area of low pressure near the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on May 30th. The convection associated with the wave became more organized and a tropical depression formed near the western tip of Cuba during the morning of June 1st then became a tropical storm that afternoon. The storm reached it's peak of 50 knots that evening before weakening due to strong wind shear associated with an upper level trough over the northern Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Storm Barry moved northeast and made landfall in the Tampa Bay area around 10 AM on June 2nd with 34 kt to 45 kt winds. ||In Pinellas County the peak wind at the fire station on Treasure Island was 34 knots. The peak wind at Albert Whitted Airport was 28 knots 4:36 PM EST and the peak wind at the St Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport was 32 knots at 2:01 PM EST. A rip current caused one fatality. An unconscious 45-year-old female was found in heavy surf near 178th Avenue in Indian Shores. Fire department rescue did establish a weak pulse but she died four days later on June 6th. Power outages affected about 78,000 customers. People had to canoe across roads in the flood-prone areas of the Shore Acres neighborhood in St. Petersburg. The tidal gauge on the pier at Clearwater Beach recorded a 1.91 foot surge and a 4.78 foot storm tide, both relative to Mean Low Low Water. ||In Hillsborough County the peak wind at MacDill Air Force Base was 39 knots at 801 AM EST. Wind gusts estimated at 45 knots knocked a centruy-old oak onto a four bedroom house in Carrollwood and caused one injury to a 4-year-old girl while she was sleeping. ||In Manatee County the peak wind at the the Bradenton/Sarasota International Airport was 34 knots at 9 AM EST. ||In Sarasota County the peak wind at the Venice C-MAN station was 36 knots at 7 AM EST. ||In Polk County the peak wind at the Winter Haven Airport was 36 knots at 325 PM EST and the peak wind at the Bartow Airport was 34 knots at 350 PM EST.

Tropical Storm Alberto became a storm north of the Yucatan Peninsula on June 11 and made landfall in the Big Bend area of Florida on June 13. The center of Tropical Storm Alberto moved from about 350 miles west of Fort Myers on the morning of August 12 to about 80 miles west of Cedar Key on the morning of August 13. Alberto brought widespread rains of 2 to 5 inches with isolated 7 inches to west central and southwest Florida. In addition, Alberto created at least four tornadoes and a storm surge of 2 to 4 feet. There were two indirect fatalities related to the storm. Two men died near Egmont Key on June 10 during a storm in one of Alberto's rain bands. A woman fell overboard when the band of showers and surging currents made navigation difficult. Her husband and a friend jumped in to save her but they did not have life jackets and drowned. The woman made it back to the boat and was saved. In Levy County...a peak wind gust from the south of 48 knots (55 MPH) was recorded at 5 AM EDT on the 13th at the C-MAN station on Cedar Key. The storm tide at Cedar Key was 6.74 feet which included a surge of 4.09 feet and occurred at 8:30 AM on the 13th. Two feet of water covered the roads in downtown Yankeetown and near shore areas of Highways 40 and 24. About 20 homes received minor damage in the Yankeetown area, however, these homes are in a low area and are susceptible to unusually high tides as well. Cedar Key did not experience flooded roads as the tide was going down as the surge was coming in. In Citrus County...a peak wind gust from the southwest at an estimated 42 knots (48 MPH) at 12:30 PM EDT on the 13th at the Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant. The storm tide at the plant was 7.60 feet which included a surge of 3.70 feet and occurred around 1 PM EDT. Storm surge flooding near Homossassa put 3 feet of water into one restaurant and damaged 20 homes. Two people who did not evacuate had to be rescued. Fort Island Trail was covered with 4 feet of water at times. In Hernando County...a peak wind gust from the southwest of 42 knots (48 MPH) was recorded around 7 AM EDT at the COMPS station at Homosassa. The storm surge was estimated at 4 feet and approached homes in the Hernando Beach area, but the homes remained dry. The ASOS station at the Brooksville Airport (KBKV) recorded the highest rainfall total of 2.60 inches. In Sumter County...a peak wind gust from the southwest of 36 knots (41 MPH) was recorded at 12:05 PM EDT at the AWOS station at The Villages (KVVG). Rainfall in Lake Panosoffkee was 1.85 inches.In Pasco County...a peak wind gust from the southwest of 47 knots (54 MPH) around 5 AM EDT was recorded at the COMPS station at the Fred Howard Park. The storm surge was estimated at 4 feet up and down the coast line but it was not enough to cause property damage. Rainfall in Saint Leo was 2.62 inches. In Pinellas County...a peak wind gust from the southwest of 53 knots (61 MPH) around 8 AM EDT was recorded at the C-MAN station on Clearwater Beach (CWBF1). The storm surge was 2.42 feet at Clearwater Beach and 2.52 feet in Saint Petersburg. Water covered the roads in Shore Acres in northeast Saint Petersburg due to surge and fresh water flooding. In Hillsborough County...a peak wind gust from the southwest of 49 knots (56 MPH) at 2:37 AM EDT was recorded at the MacDill Air Force Base (KMCF). The storm surge was 3.28 feet at McKay Bay and 2.75 feet at the Old Port Tampa COMPS station. The overspray from the surge combined with fresh water flooding closed parts of Bay Shore Blvd. In Manatee County...a peak wind gust of 38 knots (44 MPH) at 2:39 AM EDT was recorded at the Bradenton/Sarasota International Airport (KSRQ). The storm surge was 2.06 feet at Port Manatee. In Sarasota County...a peak wind gust of 46 knots (53 MPH) at 2:37 AM was recorded at the C-MAN station in Venice (VENF1). Rainfall in Myakka State Park totalled 3.34 inches.

A thunderstorm microburst crashed down on Seminole Heights and caused widespread but relatively minor damage along the 1.5 mile path. Damage included a few roofs peeled back, windows blown out of at least one business, dozens of trees and large limbs blown down, and at least a dozen power wires and transformers blown down. About 2000 residents were without power shortly after the storm passed. All this was done in only a minute's time in any given location.Winds were estimated at 65 mph in the heaviest damage area. Severe (58 mph estimated wind) damage began around the intersection of Henry and Ithmar Avenue, along and just north of the Hillsborough River. The damage intensified in a Park just west of Ola Avenue, where at least 10 pine trees were blown down or uprooted. A large oak tree had many limbs downed onto a home on Henry Avenue just north of the park. Actual structural damage to residences was minor, including fascia and a few shingles.As the burst crossed out of the neighborhood and into the commercial zone including north Florida and Hillsborough Avenue, damage increased a bit. One business on N. Florida Avenue had its windows blown out, followed by water damage inside. A bit farther east, on N. Central Ave, a fallen oak smashed three vehicles in a church parking lot. Damage continued sporadically after the storm crossed interstate 275, with a placard blown out at a tire store and took out a portion of the aluminum roof.

A rapidly deepening low pressure center over the eastern Gulf of Mexico moved across west central Florida, tracking directly over Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Polk counties. The tight pressure gradient around the low center produced sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 45 to 55 mph occurring near the coast around Tampa Bay for around two hours from 4 AM to 6 AM EST. Wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph were felt as far south as Fort Myers and as far north as Brooksville. The strongest wind gusts occurred at the Old Port Tampa station, measuring 71 mph, and at Longboat Pass where a spotter estimated gusts of 75 mph. There was also a report of 93 mph measured from the top deck of the Carnival cruise ship Miracle that was traveling through Tampa Bay between 4 AM and 5 AM. Some minor coastal flooding also occurred as winds became onshore, with a surge of 6.1 feet at Clearwater Beach, and around 4 feet occurring in the areas around Tampa Bay. The surge caused some minor beach erosion in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. Some wind damage was reported in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties with this event. In Pasco county near Holiday, there was some damage to a mobile home park, with a roof blown off one mobile home. In Pinellas county, there were numerous power lines down across the county leaving 38,000 customers without power, and in Saint Petersburg there was some damage to a mobile home park. Numerous trees and power lines were down in Hillsborough county, leaving 35,000 customers without power. In Manatee county near the coast around Bradenton, a roof was blown off a shed, there was minor roof damage on two mobile homes, and numerous power lines were down leaving 1,200 customers without power. Also, a luxury yacht broke free from its moorings, damaging the yacht as well as the dock and pilings.

Hurricane Frances made landfall just after midnight on September 5th near Vero Beach as a Category 2 storm. The hurricane continued to move slowly west northwestward across central Florida to near Bartow by 2 pm, and just northeast of Tampa by 8 pm, when it was downgraded to a tropical storm. It then emerged back into the Gulf of Mexico near Hudson shortly before midnight. Hurricane Frances took almost 24 hours to move through the Florida peninsula. Frances continued northwestward through the northern gulf of Mexico, making a second landfall on the afternoon of September 6th in the Florida big bend near Tallahassee as a tropical storm. In Lee County the observation at Big Carlos Pass recorded a gust to 51 knots (59 MPH) from the west at 12:18 AM EST on 09/05/2004. One direct death was reported when an elderly man was blown over by a wind gust while walking his dog 10 feet outside of his home. He hit his head on the sidewalk and died from blunt force trauma. Fourteen homes were destroyed by the wind. In Sarasota and Manatee Counties the maximum wind recorded at the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport was 46 knots (53 MPH) from the northwest at 12:07 PM EST on 09/05/2004. In Charlotte County there was was a foot of water in Downtown Punta Gorda due to a "back door"storm surge of 5 ft into Charlotte Harbor. Tarps on roofs from Hurricane Charley were blown off of many roofs during Hurricane Frances. The observation from the Punta Gorda Airport recorded a maximum wind of 50 knots (58 MPH) from the southwest at 12:21 AM on 09/06/2004. In Hillsborough County most of the damage was a result of trees falling on homes, businesses, and power lines. Debris removal alone was $24 million (not included in damage estimate above). The observation from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge recorded 55 knots (63 MPH) from the north at 9:18 AM EST on 09/05/2004. Two indirect deaths were reported; one was a man who hit a pole while driving in the rain, the other was a Utility Repair Supervisor who was hit by a falling branch while removing tree debris. In Pasco County there was major damage to 114 homes, minor damage to 782 homes, and 459 reports of flood damage. The observation from Anclote Key recorded a wind gust of 61 knots (70 mph) from the north late on the 09/04/2004. In Hernando County there were numerous reports of flooded streets and homes. Other reports included trees on homes, shingles off roofs, mobile home and fascia damage, and pool enclosures with moderate damage. The observation from the Brooksville airport recorded a maximum wind of 47 knots (54 MPH) from the north at 1:02 PM EST on 09/05/2004. In Citrus County a wind instrument at the Crystal River Power Plant recorded a gust to 45 knots (52 MPH) around 4 PM EST on 09/06/2004. In Levy County the observation at Cedar Key recorded a gust to 51 knots (59 MPH) from the south at 2 PM EST on 09/06/2004. The damage total listed was estimated by doubling the insured losses unless otherwise noted. The doubling accounted for uninsured losses and damge to the public infrastructure. Flood damage was included within these totals because it was not possible to extract the flood damage information from the available data.

An upper-level disturbance, combined with warm and humid air near the surface, helped form a broken line of strong to severe thunderstorms over west central Florida, which propagated east through the area during the late morning and early afternoon hours. The event featured marginal severe wind gusts and some hail.Dime size hail fell at the intersection of Lois Avenue and Broad Street in the Pinecrest section of Tampa shortly after 11 AM. Winds intensified as the line organized farther inland, causing sporadic damage in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands Counties. The strongest cells were in Hardee County. A small tornado was witnessed by law enforcement officials near Zolfo Springs, with minor tree damage in a wooded area. Numerous small, and several large, tree limbs were downed in Zolfo Springs along West 66th Street, and dime size hail was reported, shortly after 1230 PM. In Polk County, observed 58 mph winds at Lakeland's Linder Field were followed by blown down large limbs and power lines in the city proper. A woman sustained a neck injury when a large limb crashed onto the roof of her vehicle. Several hundred customers were briefly without power after the storm. Other tree and line damage, including a few uprooted oaks, was noted from a separate storm cell in Fort Meade. Dime size hail was reported near Bartow and in downtown Lakeland. Most of the activity occurred in the county between noon and 1230 PM.As the line continued moving southeast, more damage was reported in Avon Park and Sebring (Highlands Co) around 1 PM. Gusty winds blew a carport roof off an Apartment Building along Lakeview Road in Sebring. Fallen trees also blocked vehicle access along a rural road (CR 634) in Highlands Hammock S.P. near Avon Park.

Polar high pressure settled over the Florida peninsula early on the 9th, allowing for the most widespread freeze event of the winter. Temperatures fell into the low and mid 20s north of Tampa Bay, and in the upper 20s to lower 30s elsewhere away from large bodies of water, extending south to Charlotte County. Overload of the power grid in Hernando County caused outages to 10,000 residents in Spring Hill during the early morning hours. This freeze featured a heavy frost. The frost caused additional thinning of excess foliage, but was also a good thing for local crop farmers, who were able to use insulating methods to minimize damage.No significant damage was reported to agriculture; in fact, the cold snaps were welcome to citrus farmers. Cold snaps in early to mid January often ensure at least a normal onset of spring blooms, usually in February.A light frost occurred across portions of Hernando, Citrus, and Sumter County on the 10th, but duration of subfreezing temperatures was generally less than 2 hours and affects were minimal.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle began to affect the Southwest Florida coast during the pre-dawn hours of September 14th with sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph along the coasts of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Lee counties. By sunrise, high end tropical storm force wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common from the mouth of Tampa Bay south to Charlotte Harbor. Gabrielle continued to move northeast and made landfall, south of Venice, in Sarasota county, between 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. EST. The lowest sea level pressure observed with landfalling Garbrielle was 983.1 millibars at the Venice C-MAN site at 7:00 a.m. EST. At the Venice C-MAN site, a maximum wind gust of 73 mph from the northwest was observed at 9:00 a.m. EST as feeder bands on the storms northwest side began to move over southern Sarasota county. Although storm total rainfall amounts of 5 to 7 inches from Gabrielle were common across Southwest and parts of West Central Florida, a maximum storm total rainfall amount of 11.65 inches was reported in Palmetto in Manatee county.Maximum storm tides observed were around 6 feet near the mouth of the Peace River in Charlotte Harbor shortly after sunrise. Total damage across the 15 county area of Southwest and West Central Florida from Gabrielle was estimated to be nearly 17 million dollars.Gabrielle continued to move northeast across the Florida peninsula and was centered over central Polk county by mid afternoon of the 14th. Winds across West central and Southwest Florida subsided to below tropical storm force by late afternoon. However, wrap around western outer bands of Gabrielle continued to bring a second brush of low end tropical storm force wind gusts to Citrus, Sumter, Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties from 7 p.m. EST on September 14th, through 3 am EST on September 15th.In Lee county, tropical storm wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph and flooding caused up to 5.7 million dollars in damage. Most of the wind damage was caused to roof shingles, carports and lanais, mainly in the Cape Coral area. Flooding caused major damage to nearly 100 homes and another 500 incurred minor flood damage, mainly due to storm tides of three to four feet along coastal areas from Ft. Myers Beach to Sanibel, Captiva and Pine Islands from sunrise through 1 pm EST.In Charlotte county, tropical storm wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph were common from the barrier islands east into Charlotte Harbor where over one million dollars in damage was estimated from wind and flooding. Most of the wind damage occurred to mobile home roofs, pool cages and downed trees, from Englewood east to Punta Gorda. Flooding caused major damage to several homes along the north end of Gasparilla Island north to Englewood Beach. Also, flooding occurred in Charlotte Harbor and near the mouth of the Peace River due to mainly maximum storm tides of up to 6 feet around sunrise through late morning of the 14th.In Sarasota county, tropical storm wind gusts of 60 to 70+ mph were common along the barrier islands east to the Interstate 75 corridor. Over two million dollars in damage was estimated primarily from wind. Several homes from Englewood north to Venice and Osprey incurred roof, lanai and carport damage. Hundreds of trees and power lines were also downed throughout Sarasota county by the high end tropical storm force winds. A maximum storm tide, estimated at three to four feet, caused beach erosion and home flooding along Manasota Key, between Englewood and Venice in Sarasota County, as Gabrielle made landfall shortly after sunrise.In Manatee county, tropical storm force northerly wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common along the barrier islands east to the Interstate 75 corridor. A one to three mile wide swath of numerous downed trees extended from Palmetto south across east Bradenton to near the Sarasota - Bradenton airport. Most of the trees were blown down from north to south across the county. Ground and arial surveys indicated several alluvial downbursts mainly from Terra Ceia south across the western portion of Bradenton. Wind damage in excess of one million dollars was estimated due to mainly roofs of homes, lanais, carports and downed trees. Storm total rainfall of 8 to 10 inches was common which caused flooding to homes and business across most of Manatee county.In DeSoto and Hardee counties, storm total rainfall five to seven inches caused county-wide flooding to homes and business, estimated at up to five million dollars. Wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph were common throughout mid-morning to early afternoon of the 14th across Hardee and DeSoto counties where downed trees, minor roof and tile damage were common.In Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, northeast wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph were common across most of Tampa Bay and the southern portions of the counties. Storm tide values of up to three feet were common on the Pinellas county side (west) of Tampa Bay, from the Gandy Bridge south Point Pinellas. Most wind damage and flooding were minor across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.In Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Sumter counties, tropical storm force winds of 40 to 50 mph, downed numerous trees and damaged several poorly constructed or weathered mobile homes across the four county area through the morning and late evening of the 14th.At least four, seperate and distinct, narrow sporadic tornadoes occurred with the outer spiral bands on the east side of Gabrielle. All tornadoes observed produced minor damage, were determined to be F0 category and occurred over rural portions of Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto and Manatee counties between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m. EST.

Post frontal gradient winds of up to 50 mph caused sporadic sign, power line and tree damage over portions of the Tampa - St. Pete metropolitan area in West Central Florida.

Hurricane Gordon moved northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and brought mainly 30 to 40 mph sustained winds and 50 to nearly 70 mph tropical storm force wind gusts to mainly coastal areas of Southwest and West Central Florida throughout the daylight hours of the 17th. Gordon's ill-defined center made landfall near the Suwannee River around midnight of the 18th. Official, maximum sustained winds of 53 mph, with gusts as high as 68 mph, were observed at the C-MAN automated weather sensor at Cedar Key in Levy county prior to landfall near the mouth of the Suwannee River during the late evening of the 17th.Hurricane Gordon produced maximum storm tides above mean sea level of 2 to 4 feet from Lee north to Manatee county, 4 to 5.5 feet along the Pinellas and Hillsborough county coastlines, and 2 to 4 feet from Pasco north to Levy county on the 17th.Coastal flooding from storm surge was minimal from Lee county north to the Tampa metropolitan area. Near downtown Tampa, a foot of water covered the south and northern lanes of Bayshore Boulevard during midday on the 17th. Coastal flood waters between one and two feet covered coastal roads along Longboat Key in Manatee county and Siesta and Casey Keys in Sarasota county. In Pinellas county, nearly a foot of water covered coastal roads from St. Pete Beach to Clearwater. The Courtney Campbell Parkway, seperating Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, was closed, due to storm surge flooding, from nearly 5 to 9 pm on the 17th.Beach erosion was minor from Lee north to Charlotte, moderate to severe along Sarasota and Manatee counties, minor to moderate over Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties. At Bradenton Beach in Manatee county, nearly 100 feet of pristine beach, five to six feet in depth, was stripped away by wave action from Hurricane Gordon. In Sarasota county, storm surge and wave action from Gordon caused nearly 1.1 million dollars in beach erosion while in Manatee county, beach erosion was estimated at 500 thousand dollars.Inland flooding from rainfall occurred over low-lying and urban areas in mainly Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands and southern Polk counties (see flood entries).Eastern rain bands of Hurricane Gordon spawned at least five known tornadoes, two F1's and three F0's over Central and Southwest Florida (see tornado entries).Damage in Levy county was confined to roofs and toppled trees, mainly in the Cedar Key area, where a total of $100,000 dollars was estimated.Damage in Citrus county was confined to a few downed trees, power lines and snapped branches from Sulphur Springs south to Ozello mounting to less than $25,000 dollars.Damage in Hernando county was confined to ten homes that suffered floodwater damage along the coast along with a few toppled trees and downed power lines. Damage in Hernando county was estimated at $100,000 dollars.Damage in Pasco county was confined to 15 roof damaged villas, downed trees and damaged vehicles in the New Port Colony Villas subdivsion in New Port Richey estimated at $250,000 dollars.In Pinellas county, 51 single-family homes, 32 mobile homes, 27 multi-family homes and 24 businesses sustained minor wind or water damage. Estimated cost of the damage in Pinellas county was nearly $500,000 dollars.In Hillsborough county, 40 homes in low lying coastal areas from Ruskin to Gibsonton to Riverview, incurred flooding from storm surge. Also, several homes were damaged from wind toppled trees and large branches throughout Hillsborough county. Estimated cost of the damage in Hillsborough county was near $500,000 dollars.In Manatee county, 25 homes and businesses were flooded in Bradenton Beach and several homes incurred minor to moderate roof damage in Anna Maria. At Coquina Beach in Manatee county, 60 mph wind gusts, associated with an outer feeder band of Gordon, toppled life guard towers and destroyed an anemometer. Property damage from Hurricane Gordon was estimated at nearly $500,000 dollars in Manatee county.In Sarasota county, eight foot high waves, caused nearly $600,000 in property damage to the Venice Municipal Fishing Pier. The hurricane induced waves ripped a 20 foot section and three 50 foot concrete pilings from the northern section of the pier.In Lee county, tropical storm force winds caused roof, awning and lanai damage to nine homes, toppled several large trees and branches, and downed power lines across Cape Coral and Ft. Myers. Also, tornadoes, associated with outer feeder bands of Hurricane Gordon, caused significant damage on Sanibel Island of extreme western Lee county (see Lee county tornado entries).Max Wind Gust: 68 mph - Cedar Key, Levy Co. 2153 EST 09/17Lowest Pressure: 994.2 mb - Cedar Key, Levy Co. 2200 EST 09/17Max Rainfall: 6.39 in - Page Field, Ft. Myers, Lee Co. 0000-2400 EST 09/17