The National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama has confirmed an EF1 tornado struck Destin on Saturday, May 10, with estimated peak winds reaching 100 mph.
- The tornado touched down at 9:05 a.m., beginning as a waterspout that moved onshore at Henderson Beach State Park. It traveled northward across Emerald Coast Parkway during its five-minute path, covering 1.86 miles with a maximum width of 120 yards.
Initial damage was reported at Osaka Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar where a light pole was knocked over facing northwest. A power pole at the nearby Mattress Firm was leaning but remained standing.
The tornado continued across parking lots at Home Goods and Tuesday Morning, knocking down large tree limbs on the east side of its path and uprooting several trees on the west side. Multiple cars were damaged by fallen trees in these commercial areas.
- Weather officials noted the tornado appeared to strengthen as it moved across the Kelly Plantation golf course area. On Kelly Plantation Drive north of Stonebridge Road, multiple trees were uprooted facing due west, indicating the tornado tracked just west of Kelly Plantation Drive.
The tornado ultimately crossed into Choctawhatchee Bay as a waterspout. Public video captured this waterspout just offshore the north side of Destin near Mid Bay Bridge Road, confirming the tornado’s complete path across land.
According to earlier reports from the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office, multiple businesses and vehicles sustained damage. Destin Fire reported 77 locations lost power, with Florida Power & Light crews working to restore service. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale classifies an EF1 tornado as having wind speeds between 86-110 mph.
