Tornado Devistates Cape Coral Florida

As a citizen of Cape Coral Florida, a person who has resided in the area for just over 25 years I was not surprised to see a tornado warning flash across the television screen the evening of September 16th, 2007. Here in Southwest Florida we have become accustomed to bad weather. While many people know us as the sunshine state, year round residents such as myself persevere through some of the worst weather known to North America.

I must admit to you that I was a bit surprised that the storm that sparked the tornado warning actually produced funnel clouds. A severe thunderstorm warning is bound to be seen at least once a week here during this time of year. Daily down pours are expected at nearly the same time everyday. Passively, my family and I ignored the warning that was later reported to have damaged several structures in our city.

While we did not come close to the tornado that day we were surprised by the eruption of lightning, 30 mph gusts and drenching rain that seemed to change direction instantaneously. It was not until the next morning that we had learned the danger that lurked just 2 miles from our residence the night before.

As reported by NBC 2, a single tornado that started as a water spout just off of Fort Myers Beach eventually making landfall in Cape Coral as an EF1 tornado, wind speed topping out at 105 mph. Nearly 138 structures have been affected by the tornado and 18 have been deemed uninhabitable. Early damage reports estimates the damages will cost between $3 to $4 million dollars.