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SW Florida Tornadoes: 4 Twisters in 2026 So Far
22 Jul
Summary
- Four landspout tornadoes touched down in Lee County during 2026.
- Landspouts are non-supercell tornadoes with weaker winds than classic tornadoes.
- Collier County has reported no official tornadoes in 2026.
Southwest Florida has seen a relatively calm tornado season in 2026 thus far. The National Weather Service has confirmed four landspout tornadoes in Lee County. Three of these occurred on May 17th, impacting Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The fourth was recorded in North Fort Myers on June 28th.
Landspout tornadoes, also known as non-supercell tornadoes, differ from "classic" tornadoes. While classic tornadoes descend from supercell thunderstorms, landspouts originate as ground swirls that ascend to meet developing clouds. They are generally weaker and shorter-lived than their supercell counterparts, with estimated wind speeds up to 100 mph, compared to over 200 mph for classic tornadoes.
In Lee County, the May 17th events were EF-0 strength with winds from 65-75 mph. One lasted briefly in Fort Myers' Villas neighborhood, another for six minutes through Fort Myers affecting areas like Whiskey Creek and Tanglewood, and a third for three minutes in north Cape Coral. The June 28th tornado in North Fort Myers also had an estimated EF-0 strength with 65 mph winds, causing roof damage to two mobile homes.
