MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF0 tornado touched down Monday afternoon southwest of Interstate 95 in Martin County, carving an eight-mile path.
The tornado touched down to the south and west of Interstate 95 at mile marker 107 before crossing the interstate at about 4:43 p.m.
The system then moved to the north-northeast into Palm City, where numerous trees were felled on properties between I-95 and Southwest Martin Highway.
The circulation continued to the northeast in Stuart where the NWS said multiple residents submitted videos of the tornado impacting portions of the Canopy Creek residential subdivision. However, the tornado caused sparse damage.
There were additional reports of downed trees along the path as it moved across Florida's Turnpike and into Stuart.
Weather News
Reported sightings of 2 possible tornadoes in Martin County
The circulation eventually produced a waterspout over the St. Lucie River that then pushed onshore and into the North River Shores subdivision before lifting and dissipating at 5:08 p.m.
The tornado produced minor damage in North River Shores, including a few fallen trees near the intersection of Northwest Pine Lake Drive and Northwest Fork Road.
No injuries have been reported from the tornado, which had a width of about 50 yards.
Second Tornado?
WPTV First Alert Weather chief meteorologist Steve Weagle said a second tornado also occurred in Martin County on Monday afternoon.
"I would estimate the second twister formed near I-95 and Becker Road around 5:50 p.m.," Weagle said, "then moved directly east toward Harbour Ridge at 5:59 p.m. and then crossing the North Fork of the St. Lucie River."
However, National Weather Service meteorologist William Ulrich said Wednesday that at this time they are unable to confirm a second tornado that was associated with the cell that moved along the St. Lucie and Martin County border between 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday.
"After analyzing the video that was provided to us on Twitter, it appears that the tornado was associated with the first system as it crossed I-95 and was not at Becker Road as initially claimed," Ulrich said in a statement. "At this time we can confirm only one tornado associated with Monday evening's event."
