Recovery Process Starts After Tornadoes Sweep Through Southwest Florida

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A Collier County Sheriff's Office corporal spotted a tornado traveling north toward U.S. 41 near Marco Island on Sunday, Jan. 16.

It was a rude awakening early Sunday morning when residents throughout Southwest Florida received tornado warnings from the National Weather Service and told to seek shelter. Now neighborhoods are in the recovery process as at least five tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down.

The most damaging storm was in the Iona-McGregor area in Fort Myers. The EF-2 tornado greatly impacted three mobile home communities along with minor damage to other nearby neighborhoods. The most severe damage occurred at the Century 21 Mobile Community; many suffered major destruction and some of the homes have been deemed unlivable. The National Weather Service reported winds reached 118 miles per hour.

In Charlotte County, what started out as a waterspout came on land as an EF-1 tornado, affecting the Gasparilla Marina, the Gasparilla Mobile Estates and several other homes. The EF-1 winds were clocked at 110 miles per hour.

Collier County experienced EF-0 tornadoes – one was reported to have moved through Lely Resort. In total, there was major to minor damage stretching from Fort Myers to Naples to Alligator Alley. Amazingly, there were just some minor injuries but no deaths due to the storm.

With cleanup efforts underway, officials are cautioning residents to be aware of possible downed electrical lines that may be hidden under debris. Another concern is the possibility of looting. Some communities have security guards checking IDs at their entrance with Lee County Sheriff putting up cameras as well.

You can help those affected by the tornado by donating to your local Red Cross.