Waterspout Makes Rare Landfall in Florida Keys

April 9, 2013

The National Weather Service says a waterspout made a rare landfall and became a tornado in the Florida Keys.

No injuries were reported when the tornado came ashore early Friday on Big Pine Key.

Bill South of the National Weather Service in Key West tells WTVJ-TV in Miami that the Keys only experience a landfalling waterspout about once every 10 years.

The tornado produced gusts between 75 mph and 80 mph. It left a trail of debris that was 2 miles long and 80 yards wide.

Officials say it sent a dock with four kayaks airborne, moved a cistern containing nearly 200 gallons of water about 15 yards into a camping trailer and caused widespread damage to trees.

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