Summary
The interaction of baroclinic features with Agnes resulted in a tropical cyclone with "hybrid" characteristics, which increased the threat of strong tornadoes with longer path lengths. The outbreak became the most significant tornado outbreak associated with a tropical cyclone prior to landfall. The presence of strong wind shear surrounding the tropical cyclone facilitated the development of strong tornadoes, including the greatest number of tornadoes of at least F2 intensity within one 24-hour period in Florida. Studies have suggested strong wind shear in the lower levels of the atmosphere is a common feature during tornado outbreaks involving the outer rain bands of tropical cyclones near Florida. Additionally, in Florida cases, the favored region for tornado outbreaks is the northeastern quadrant of north moving tropical cyclones. Agnes represented one of these cases.
On June 18, a tornado touched down around 4:13 p.m. (EDT) near Fort Denaud, which is located near LaBelle in Hendry County. The tornado, killing one person, destroyed a truck and a trailer. The funnel also prostrated citrus trees and caused six injuries near LaBelle. Ten mobile homes were destroyed in two mobile home parks. In all, the tornado affected three mobile home parks and inflicted $200,000 (1972 USD) in property damage. Another tornado, occurring around 10:55 p.m. (EDT), destroyed 50 mobile homes and one fish camp near Okeechobee. This event killed six people and caused damage along a path that reached a width of 100 yards (0.05 mi). These tornadoes were operationally classified as "windstorms" in the official National Weather Service database, which indicated severe thunderstorm winds were responsible for the seven deaths. However, newspaper reports did cite the Okeechobee event as a tornado. Subsequently, an independent case study of the Hurricane Agnes outbreak in 1998 unveiled evidence that the events were two strong (F2–F3) tornadoes. However, the official database still lists the original number of tornadoes.
There were two unconfirmed tornadoes in Collier County. A brief tornado reportedly damaged a roof and two planes in the town of Immokalee. Power lines were downed in the area. Another possible tornado affected Everglades City, where trees were prostrated and portions of a home were transported for 0.25 mile (0.4 km). Lee County was affected by three F2 tornadoes, while a F1 tornado touched down in Seminole County. In all, the tornadoes in Lee, Seminole, and Brevard counties produced damages in excess of $100,000 (1972 USD).
Read more about this topic: 1972 Hurricane Agnes Tornado Outbreak
Famous quotes containing the word summary:
“I have simplified my politics into an utter detestation of all existing governments; and, as it is the shortest and most agreeable and summary feeling imaginable, the first moment of an universal republic would convert me into an advocate for single and uncontradicted despotism. The fact is, riches are power, and poverty is slavery all over the earth, and one sort of establishment is no better, nor worse, for a people than another.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)
“Product of a myriad various minds and contending tongues, compact of obscure and minute association, a language has its own abundant and often recondite laws, in the habitual and summary recognition of which scholarship consists.”
—Walter Pater (1839–1894)