Event narrative (NOAA)
A long, continuous path of damage was found in western Polk County from a tornado, causing extensive EF-2 damage. An NWS survey and subsequent Civil Air Patrol aerial survey found numerous homes and businesses with damage to roofs, fascia, awnings, and screen enclosures, as well as fences and trees knocked down. One home was completely destroyed. Kathleen Middle School sustained significant roof damage, with rain water and sprinkler systems causing additional water damage. A camper was lifted into a residence near the middle school. The tornado crossed Interstate 4, overturning a tractor trailer. No injuries were reported.
Other notable tornado events in Florida
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.