Search
Close this search box.

NWS confirms tornado touched down in Santa Rosa County, traveled 12 miles to Okaloosa

Tornado and Straight Line Winds Cause Significant Damage in Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties
Okaloosa Public Information Office

An EF2 tornado and severe straight line winds wreaked havoc across northern Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties in Florida on May 10, 2024, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mobile, Alabama.

  • The tornado, which reached estimated peak winds of 115 mph, touched down at 3:53 AM, 3 miles west-northwest of Munson in Santa Rosa County, and traveled 12.25 miles before lifting 3 miles west-southwest of Nubbin Ridge in Okaloosa County at 4:04 AM.

The tornado left a path of destruction, snapping numerous pine trees and downing power lines in a convergent pattern, according to NWS. It reached its maximum width of 450 yards over Munson, where it caused extensive damage. Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries were reported as a result of the tornado.

In addition to the tornado, large swaths of significant straight line wind damage were surveyed in northern Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. Wind speeds were estimated to have reached between 100 and 110 mph along State Highway 87 between Allentown and Berrydale, where numerous wooden power lines were snapped, and metal roofing from a small barn was launched about 200 yards toward the road.

The NWS also reported that numerous trees were snapped in a swath from Jay, Florida, to rural locations along and south of State Highway 4 from Jay to Berrydale, with wind speeds estimated between 80 and 110 mph.

  • In the community of Baker, several large hardwood trees were downed, and a large oak tree fell on a mobile home about 2.5 miles southeast of the town.

Further southeast, straight line wind damage was observed in Crestview, where an awning was stripped from a canopy over a gas station, and stucco was stripped from the side of a church.

The NWS emphasized that the information provided in their statement is preliminary and subject to change pending final review of the event and publication in NWS Storm Data.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“My humble opinion is that we need the steady logical input from Brett Hinley for Okaloosa school board district 5. He’s a native of Niceville, went to school here and...”
Respond
Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 30, 2026
“2:34, 6 attempts”
Respond
“How wonderful it would be if you left it 'old school' - a slice of Old Florida Experience. I'm fearful that what Hgifford says might be the future.”
Respond
“Dr. Diane, I have been on the sidelines of your career for many years . You are an inspiration for women in many careers. Offering you many well wishes for...”
Respond
“I miss Demetriu’s friendly face and lively personality at the Magnolia Clinic. Every time I drive through the intersection where the accident happened I just say a prayer for Demetrius...”
Respond
“I hope the motel will be renovated, but having lived here since 1955, I have seen this before: keep the locals happy by saying renovate. But, in reality, it will...”
Respond
“Demetrius's absence is still deeply felt by the patients of the clinic where he worked for many years.”
Respond
“This was such devastating news the day we lost Demetrius! He was so loved by so many in the community! Gone but never forgotten ! This guy should get life...”
Respond
“Dimitrius was a very loved person by so many citizens of Ft. Walton Beach. He will never be replaced. He is dearly missed by so many.”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.