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Miami Tornadoes

Miami tornadoes: mostly hurricane-spawned events, waterspouts, and occasional cold-front tornadoes. South Florida tornado safety guide.

Miami Tornado Sources

Hurricane-spawned events - most common category

Coastal waterspouts moving inland

Winter cold front events (rare)

Summer sea breeze convergence

Notable Events

Hurricane Andrew 1992 produced multiple South Florida tornadoes.

Hurricane Wilma 2005 spawned tornado outbreak.

Multiple hurricane-driven events since.

Waterspouts documented monthly during warm season.

Why Miami Different from Central Florida

Central Florida averages 50/year - highest US density

South Florida sees fewer non-hurricane tornadoes

Coastal air limits summer convection

Hurricane exposure dominates risk

Living in Miami

Multi-hazard family plan (hurricane + tornado)

NOAA weather radio essential year-round

Interior room shelter

Hurricane preparation overlaps with tornado prep

Try the interactive simulator

Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.

Launch simulator →

Try the interactive simulator

Place an EF0–EF5 tornado anywhere in the world and see modeled fatalities, structural damage, and economic loss based on real census data.

Launch simulator →

Further reading