Tornado Strikes Hobe Sound Causing Damage and Road Closures

A tornado rated EF-1, with windspeeds of 85-95 mph, struck Hobe Sound, Florida, late Wednesday morning, primarily damaging areas along Bridge Road, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The tornado touched down at around 10:40 a.m. near U.S. 1 and traveled eastward, crossing the St. Lucie River into Jupiter Island. Martin County Fire Rescue (MCFR) estimates the tornado was on the ground for about a mile and a half. A CBS12 viewer captured video of the storm’s strong winds and flashing traffic lights. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported severe driving conditions, with a pickup truck pushed onto train tracks and road closures due to fallen trees. The sheriff’s office and MCFR advised residents to stay off the roads unless necessary and deployed high water rescue vehicles for potential rescues. Jupiter Island remains inaccessible due to downed trees. Residents are encouraged to report any storm damage.