Damaging tornado strikes St. Johns County, Florida

A tornado touched down in St. Johns County, Florida, on May 29, 2025, near SR9B and St. Johns Parkway, causing significant damage to trees, power lines, and structures. The National Weather Service (NWS) is conducting a survey to assess the tornado’s strength and path. No injuries were reported.

st johns county florida tornado may 29 2025

Tornado in St. Johns County, Florida on May 29, 2025. Credit: St. Johns County Sheriff's Office

A severe storm produced a tornado near SR9B and St. Johns Parkway in St. Johns County, Florida on May 29. Traffic camera footage captured a funnel cloud forming at approximately 16:56 local time (LT), showing debris and sparks amid stormy conditions.

Significant structural damage was reported in the Nocatee area, particularly at The Loop Restaurant, where an outdoor awning collapsed.

Downed trees and power lines were reported across northern St. Johns County, creating hazardous conditions for residents and motorists. Areas near Durbin Crossing and Liberty Pines Academy also experienced impacts from the storm. No injuries were reported, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The NWS office in Jacksonville scheduled a survey for May 30, to evaluate the tornado’s strength, path length, and width.

Severe weather forecasts for May 29–30 included risks of strong thunderstorms, gusts of 64–97 km/h (40–60 mph), and brief tornadoes.

Historically, St. Johns County has experienced weak tornadoes, such as an EF-0 event in the Beacon Lake neighborhood on April 5, 2024, which caused minor damage.

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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