INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A tornado that swept through northern St. Lucie County – killing at least six people – continued northeast, damaging homes in the Highlands before rampaging through Central Beach on the barrier island, meteorologists said. Weather experts on Monday said the EF-3 tornado traveled 21 miles within 30 minutes, packing 155-mph peak winds spanning 500 yards.
“The same tornado that started in St. Lucie County ended in Central Beach on the barrier island,” said Zach Law, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
The tornado slightly weakened to an EF-2, carrying 125-to-135 mph winds, before crossing into Indian River County. Meteorologists said the tornado began moving about 5 p.m. Wednesday in St. Lucie County and dissipated near Jaycee Beach in Indian River County.
Meteorologists began the tornado damage survey on Saturday for Indian River County, driving from block-to-block to examine the storm’s path. The tornado left significant damage in the Central Beach area, which extends from Holy Cross Catholic Church north to the Village Beach Market.
Meteorologists said two additional tornadoes – spawned by Hurricane Milton – swooped throughout downtown Vero Beach on Wednesday, most likely within 30 minutes of each other. Details on the strength and track of those tornadoes were not immediately available.
Indian River County Emergency Services previously said four tornadoes formed in the county. No fatalities were reported for Indian River County during the tornado outbreak.