It was the EF3 tornado in Kings Bay. One of the largest tornadoes in recent memory struck the First Coast injuring five and causing widespread damage along it’s seven-mile path.
In fact it was the first EF3 to hit the First Coast since 1960.
Images of the storm are pretty incredible and actual wind reading from an anemometer in Kings Bay even reported a wind of 125kts or 144 mph. Thankfully the worse of the impacts of the tornado itself were isolated to a waterfront pier on Kings Bay.
Survey Summary: National Weather Service Jacksonville Storm Survey revealed damage consistent with EF-3 tornado damage at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, which was confirmed by a 125 knot / 144 mph maximum wind gust measurement from a docked Coast Guard Vessel. This is the strongest tornado in recent memory within the National Weather Service Jacksonville's area of responsibility in southeast Georgia, northeast and north central Florida. Four injuries were reported by officials at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The tornado continued on an east-northeast path across Cumberland Island, beginning from Old House Creek and exiting into the Atlantic waters just south of the Stafford Beach Campground. The tornado path across Cumberland Island was estimated by Cumberland Island National Seashore park rangers to be approximately one-third to one half mile wide. Significant tree damage occurred within the tornado path across Cumberland Island, with no structural damage reported. The main park road and several trails on Cumberland Island were left impassable by the tree damage.
By the way the same area was also hit by a Tornado back in July of 2021 that caused 10 injuries and damaged several homes.
Five injuries were reported from this storm and it does go to show even here in December on The First Coast we can see severe weather and even possible Tornadoes. We will always keep you posted if any storms are on First Coast News.