NWS: Seminole County Tornado Confirmed as EF-2, Leaves Trail of Destruction

By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published March 12, 2025

Melbourne, FL. - The National Weather Service (NWS) in Melbourne has completed its final assessment of the tornado that tore through Seminole County on Monday, March 10, 2025. The storm, now confirmed as an EF-2 tornado with winds up to 120 mph, carved a four-mile path of destruction in just six minutes, impacting Wekiwa Springs, Longwood, and Lake Mary.

What Happened?

📍 Touchdown: 9:35 AM near Wekiwa Springs State Park

📍 Dissipation: 9:41 AM in Lake Mary

📏 Path Length: 4.0 miles

📏 Maximum Width: 300 yards

💨 Peak Wind Speeds: 110-120 mph

✅ No reported injuries or fatalities

The tornado first touched down near Wekiwa Springs State Park, toppling trees with winds between 65-75 mph. It strengthened as it moved northeast, damaging homes in Longwood’s Wingfield Reserve subdivision, where screened patios and pool enclosures were torn apart by 80-85 mph winds.

By the time the tornado reached the Whispering Winds subdivision, it had gained significant strength, reaching EF-1 levels (up to 100 mph). This is where residents saw the most severe damage, with windows blown out, garage doors caved in, and sections of roofs ripped off.

The worst destruction occurred near Misty Morn Place and Blue Iris Place, where winds peaked at 120 mph (EF-2 strength). One two-story home collapsed almost entirely, marking the most severe impact of the storm.

As the tornado moved past Markham Woods Road and into the Markham Glen and Mandaris Estates subdivisions, it weakened slightly but still uprooted trees and damaged homes with 90 mph winds. It then crossed I-4 into Lake Mary, hitting a local news station and several commercial buildings before dissipating at 9:41 AM.

No Injuries Reported – But Damage Is Significant

Despite the tornado’s power, there were no injuries or fatalities reported, which is nothing short of a miracle considering the destruction. Emergency crews and local authorities were quick to respond, working to clear debris and assess damage.

The National Weather Service credited Seminole County Emergency Management, local news stations, storm spotters, Osceola Response Team, and residents for helping with real-time storm tracking and damage assessments.

How Strong Was This Tornado?

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale ranks tornadoes by wind speed and damage level:

EF-0: 65-85 mph (Minor damage)
EF-1: 86-110 mph (Moderate damage)
EF-2: 111-135 mph (Considerable damage) (This tornado was EF-2)
EF-3: 136-165 mph (Severe damage)
EF-4: 166-200 mph (Devastating damage)
EF-5: Over 200 mph (Incredible destruction)

With 120 mph winds, this Seminole County tornado falls on the stronger side of the EF-2 category, causing significant structural damage and tree loss.

NWS: Seminole County Tornado Confirmed as EF-2

Tornado Safety Tips & Tricks

Tornadoes can strike with little warning. Here’s what you can do to stay safe before, during, and after a tornado:

📢 Before a Tornado:

✅ Stay informed: Monitor weather alerts through NOAA radio, local news, or apps.

✅ Prepare a tornado kit: Include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents.

✅ Know your safe place: A basement or interior room without windows (bathroom, closet, hallway) is best.

✅ Secure outdoor items: Bring in patio furniture, grills, and anything that could become airborne.

🌪️ During a Tornado:

✅ Go to your designated safe space immediately.

✅ Cover your head and neck with a blanket, pillow, or arms.

✅ Avoid windows and exterior walls.

✅ If in a vehicle, do NOT try to outrun the tornado. Seek sturdy shelter or lie flat in a low-lying area (ditch).

✅ If outdoors with no shelter, lie face-down in a ditch or low area, covering your head with your arms.

🚧 After a Tornado:

✅ Wait for official all-clear alerts before leaving shelter.

✅ Be cautious of debris, fallen power lines, and structural damage.

✅ Avoid flooded areas.

✅ Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled individuals.

✅ If injured, seek medical attention immediately.

Stay Alert & Stay Prepared

This tornado serves as a stark reminder that severe weather can strike quickly.

The NWS urges residents to stay informed and always have an emergency plan in place during Florida’s storm season.

📢 Stay tuned for more updates on recovery efforts & weather alerts:

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For real-time severe weather coverage and storm tracking, follow iSkyNews.com 🌀 Stay safe, Florida!

📌 Source: National Weather Service Melbourne Report

🔗 https://www.weather.gov/wrh/TextProduct?product=pnsmlb&id=71057905-a2b1-48bb-aab2-7c40cf854ab2

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