Summary
The first tornado of the event touched down around 12 p.m. EST in rural Polk County, causing the worst damage near Bereah, Florida. The tornado is officially estimated to have attained F4 strength; however, the rating has been questioned. Thomas P. Grazulis disputes the rating and classifies the event at F3 status. The second tornado of the day touched down west of Ruskin, Florida, where it crossed Mullet Key. One B-47 bomber departing from MacDill Air Force Base was destroyed when it encountered the parent thunderstorm. The plane unsuccessfully attempted to fly at lower altitudes and avoid it. The four crew members aboard were not found. The tornado produced F1 damage. The third tornado touched down in Saint Johns County and affected neighborhoods north of Saint Augustine, producing F3 damage. However, Thomas Grazulis classifies the event at F2 intensity. The fourth tornado became the most destructive event of the outbreak, touching down near U.S Route 441 west of Fort Pierce in Saint Lucie County. It moved east through the city's business district and moved offshore over the Atlantic Ocean. Initial estimates placed damages near $5,000,000 (1958 USD), but these estimates were deemed too high by the General Adjustments Bureau. Final estimates placed damages near "over half million" or $0.6 million. Martial law was declared after the tornado struck the city, but it was lifted on April 16. Grapefruit was tossed from the trees, but growers salvaged the majority of the fruit from the ground. The final tornado of the day affected rural areas near Riddleville, Georgia, producing F1 damage. An unconfirmed tornado was also reported near Wimauma, Florida.
Read more about this topic: April 1958 Florida Tornado Outbreak
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