Emergency Management
Tornado touches down in Port St. Lucie
On Aug. 23, Port St. Lucie residents witnessed a weather event classified as a EF-0 tornado which traveled through several neighborhoods and parts of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Thankfully, the storm caused no injuries, but it left scattered damage behind and highlighted our area’ s susceptibility to sudden severe weather.
The tornado formed around 6:10 p. m. near the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and moved west‐southwest, temporarily affecting waterfront properties and residential communities. As it crossed open water, it briefly resembled a waterspout, a phenomenon documented by many residents through photos and videos.
Although classified as an EF-0, the lowest rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, the tornado still inflicted damage to fences, shedsand pool enclosures and several roofs sustained minimal to moderate damage. According to the National Weather Service, it traveled about 2.1 miles with peak winds between 65-75 mph. At its broadest, the circulation spanned roughly 200 yards before dissipating near the Florida Turnpike at approximately 6:25 p. m.
Emergency Management officials from the City, St. Lucie County and media partners all worked with the National Weather Service to help document the event. Their rapid reporting helped confirm the tornado quickly and ensured accurate damage assessments.
The Office of Emergency Management is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents and City employees.
For emergency preparedness guidance, visit www. cityofpsl. com / em.
Tornado safety: What to do before, during and after a tornado
The Office of Emergency Management wants to provide these reminders and tips regarding what to do before, during and after a tornado.
Before a tornado:
Staying informed is one of the most important steps you can take to stay safe during tornado threats.
• Ensure emergency alerts are enabled on your cell phone.
• Sign up for Alert St. Lucie to receive realtime emergency notifications.
• Keep a NOAA weather radio in your home to receive alerts even if cell service or power goes out.
• Follow reliable weather sources such as the local National Weather Service.
During a tornado
When a tornado warning is issued, immediate action saves lives.
• Seek shelter right away in a small interior room without windows, on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay there until the tornado warning expires.
• Keep emergency alerts enabled on your phone.
• Keep your phone charged in case of extended power loss.
• Continue monitoring alerts through a NOAA weather radio, Alert St. Lucie and the National Weather Service. www. CityofPSL. com / EM
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