A stalled frontal boundary was in place across central Florida. As the boundary began to lift north drawing in abundant warm moist air over the area, an upper level disturbance moved over the area and a squall line developed and quickly moved across the northern half of the area. Several areas of damaging winds and a tornado resulted from this fast moving line on March 30th. The warm front continued to lift north over northern Florida as a developing low pressure system shifted into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. As this system moved across northern Florida, the cold front pushed into the local area and another series of squall lines moved across the area through the day on March 31st. Several tornadoes and areas of damaging winds occurred across the greater Tampa Bay area.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 11:15:00 to 31-MAR-11 11:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: JACK BROWNS SEAPORT
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS Station at the Winter Haven Gilbert Airport measured a wind gust of 72 mph or 63 knots.

Thunderstorm Wind in MANATEE, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 15:44:00 to 31-MAR-11 15:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: TALLEVAST
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS Station at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport measured a wind gust of 60 mph or 52 knots.

Thunderstorm Wind in CITRUS, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:28:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHASSAHOWITZKA
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The down burst wind damage path was 5 miles long and up to one half mile wide.  The damage started in Hernando County and moved northeast into Citrus County. Numerous pines were snapped and many homes lost about 15% of their shingles.  This event was not documented as a tornado due to conflicting evidence (e.g. power lines untouched near a handful of trees snapped in a large cluster of trees).

Tornado in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:58:00 (EST-5)
Location: SUMTERVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The tornado was visually seen on the leading edge of a damaging squall line and it snapped softwood pine trees in its path.  Downed trees blocked Highway 301 in Sumterville.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:48:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: ST CATHERINE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees and power lines were downed in the Nobleton area.

Thunderstorm Wind in MANATEE, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 11:40:00 to 31-MAR-11 11:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: PALMA SOLA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An off duty NWS Employee reported numerous large branches and several trees were downed near the area around 15th Avenue Northwest and 75th Street West.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARASOTA, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 15:43:00 to 31-MAR-11 15:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: LONGBOAT KEY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency Management reported roof, gutter, and carport damage to several mobile homes in a mobile home park on Longboat Key. Powerlines were also down in the park.

Tornado in POLK, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 11:04:00 to 31-MAR-11 11:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: (LAL)LAKELAND MUNI A
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Seven people were injured during the Sun N Fun Festival activities. There were 50 planes that were damaged or destroyed, with several planes overturned. Five campsites were destroyed with several other camp site tents collapsed or blown down. Light towers and other ground equipment also received damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: ST CATHERINE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damaging thunderstorm winds downed numerous trees, one landing on a home.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUSHNELL
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

There were numerous reports of trees and power lines down in the Bushnell area.  A tree blocked the road near the intersection of County Road 476 and County Road 609A.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUSHNELL
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

There were numerous reports of trees and power lines down in the Bushnell area.  Trees were blocking the roads on Highway 301 and County Road 475 where each intersected County Road 532W.  The downed trees led to a multiple vehicle accident on County Road 475.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 11:25:00 to 31-MAR-11 11:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: CYPRESS GARDENS
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Two large trees were uprooted at an apartment complex.

Lightning in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 15:01:00 to 30-MAR-11 15:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: OXFORD
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A lightning strike took out an electrical substation near the 3500 block of Gaylesburg Court in The Villages.

Lightning in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 15:02:00 to 30-MAR-11 15:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROYAL
Property damage: 125.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A lightning strike started a house fire on the 9500 block of County Road 125C just southwest of Lake Miona.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:50:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOON LAKE ESTATES
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A tree was blown over and fell onto a car in Moon Lake Estates.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 05:36:00 to 31-MAR-11 05:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: ANCLOTE GULF PARKS COMP SITE
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The COMPS Station at Anclote Gulf Park measured a wind gust of 61 mph or 53 knots.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 11:05:00 to 31-MAR-11 11:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: LAKELAND HIGHLANDS
Magnitude: 57.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A home weather station measured a wind gust of 66 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 07:45:00 to 31-MAR-11 07:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: THONOTOSASSA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were damaged in the Hillsborough River State Park.

Thunderstorm Wind in CITRUS, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:52:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:52:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEVERLY HILLS
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The wind gust was recorded by a home weather station.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEVY, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:19:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:19:00 (EST-5)
Location: YANKEETOWN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were uprooted in Yankeetown and fell on at least one home and brought down power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in HERNANDO, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:26:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:28:00 (EST-5)
Location: RINGGOLD
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The down burst wind damage path was 5 miles long and up to one half mile wide.  The damage started in Hernando County and moved northeast into Citrus County. Numerous pines were snapped and many homes lost about 15% of their shingles.  This event was not documented as a tornado due to conflicting evidence (e.g. power lines untouched near a handful of trees snapped in a large cluster of trees).  Further south in Brookesville, winds were measured at 51 MPH (44 knots) as the line blew through.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:47:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: LAKE PANASOFFKEE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damaging thunderstorm winds uprooted trees and blocked the road near County Road 575 and West County Road 48.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:58:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:58:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILDWOOD
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damaging thunderstorm winds knocked down the traffic light at the intersection of State Road 44 and Highway 301. There were numerous reports of trees and power lines down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:22:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAINT PETERSBURG-CLEARWATER INTL AIRPORT
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A small hanger was destroyed with debris damaging vehicles and small airplanes. The observation station on the north side of the airport recorded a wind gust of 55 MPH.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:10:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: MADEIRA BEACH
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A SKYWARN Spotter reported roof damage and signs blowing across the road.

Tornado in POLK, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 08:12:00 to 31-MAR-11 08:17:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOCRUM
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

There were numerous reports and a video on television of a tornado north of Kathleen that became a funnel cloud as it was north of Gibsonia.  No significant damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 05:47:00 to 31-MAR-11 05:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOON LAKE ESTATES
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were downed near River Ridge Boulevard and Tall Pines Boulevard.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 05:53:00 to 31-MAR-11 05:53:00 (EST-5)
Location: LAND O LAKES
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Thunderstorm winds damaged carports and pool cages in the Lake Padgett Estates Neighborhood of Land O Lakes.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 15:08:00 to 30-MAR-11 15:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: DADE CITY
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

Trees uprooted and limbs down in the Dade City area.  One pole barn was destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind in HERNANDO, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 08:50:00 to 31-MAR-11 08:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: BROOKSVILLE
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

There were numerous reports of tree damage and power lines down in and around the Brooksville area.

Tornado in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 07:27:00 to 31-MAR-11 07:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CITRUS PARK
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

There were several public reports of a tornado near Odessa. No significant damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in PASCO, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:40:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUDSON
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Trees were uprooted in the Beacon Woods subdivision.  One large tree was pushed over onto three vehicles.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:05:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: REDINGTON SHORES
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A home weather station measured a wind gust of 70 mph. Tree branches and fascia littered the roads in the area.

Tornado in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:04:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 750.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A waterspout moved onshore as a tornado and destroyed the second floor of a 3,600 square foot multiple occupancy home. Power lines and poles were snapped adjacent to the home. The tornado lifted before reaching the intercostal.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:18:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPG-ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS weather station at the Albert Whitted Airport measured a 51 knot wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in CITRUS, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 14:30:00 to 30-MAR-11 14:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRYSTAL RIVER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Tree damage was reported on West Fort Island Trail Road. Winds at the Crystal River Airport 7 miles to the southeast were measured at 55 MPH (48 knots).

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:26:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: FEATHER SOUND
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Strong thunderstorm winds overturned a tractor trailer onto two cars on Interstate 275 Howard Frankland Bridge near the 4th Street exit.

Tornado in POLK, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 11:06:00 to 31-MAR-11 11:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: PRAIRIE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Amateur radio operators reported a tornado on the ground north of Mulberry, and numerous trees and powerlines were downed north of Bartow. No damage was reported to structures as the tornado moved through a rural area north of the cities.

Tornado in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:30:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:32:00 (EST-5)
Location: RATTLESNAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 2.27M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Twenty nine residences and businesses suffered minor damage and six structures suffered major damage in the area around Interbay Boulevard.

Thunderstorm Wind in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:31:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: (MCF)MC DILL AFB
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The AWOS station at the MacDill Air Force Base measured a 53 knot wind gust.

Tornado in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 07:38:00 to 31-MAR-11 07:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHAPMAN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tornado downed trees and power lines in the Lutz area. The tornado approached Interstate 275, but there were no reports of it crossing the Interstate.

Tornado in HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:40:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: PORT OF TAMPA PORTS SITE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.58M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The area around the Tampa Port Authority and Progress Village suffered extensive damage from an EF1 tornado. Numerous roofs were blown off and 40 feet long storage containers were overturned around the Tampa Port Authority. There were 118 homes and businesses with minor damage in Progress Village, and 40 that sustained major damage. In addition, 245 homes are being assisted with tree damage in the Progress Village area.

Tornado in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:19:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: (PIE)ST PETE/CLRWATE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Power poles and lines were snapped, with at least 10 trees down in the area. Roof debris from industrial buildings was spread along the path. Monetary damage is a conservative estimate.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:10:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: BELLEAIR BEACH
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A 200 foot communication tower collapsed mid way up the tower. Wind damage to trees at the surface suggested wind gusts at 60 MPH, while winds at the top of the tower were estimated at over 110 MPH.  Downburst and tornadic wind damage occurred along an eleven mile path from Indian Rocks Beach to the Saint Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:15:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: LARGO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Thunderstorm winds damaged trees and threw debris in the air.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 31-MAR-11 10:09:00 to 31-MAR-11 10:09:00 (EST-5)
Location: BASKIN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Thunderstorm winds gusts snapped small tree trunks, pushed over shallow rooted trees, and caused damage to around 150 homes and mobile homes over a one mile square area near Ulmerton Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 30-MAR-11 15:02:00 to 30-MAR-11 15:02:00 (EST-5)
Location: OXFORD
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 45.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Damaging thunderstorm winds knocked down the traffic light at the intersection of County Road 466A and Buena Vista Blvd in The Villages. There were numerous reports of trees and power lines down in the area and a pool cage was blown onto the roof of a house.  The ASOS observation from The Villages was about a mile to the northeast and recorded a 53 MPH wind gust.