A low pressure system offshore of Alabama lifted a warm front across Florida during the late morning hours. The southern portion of the peninsula was in the warm sector with a very moist and unstable airmass in place. Severe thunderstorms produced areas of straight-line wind damage along with a brief tornado.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:23:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:23:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The ASOS at Southwest International Airport (KRSW) measured a 52 knot thunderstorm wind gust.

Thunderstorm Wind in SARASOTA, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:00:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GULF SHRS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media relayed reports and pictures of a metal roof ripped off a strip mall in Venice, with a portion of the roof landing on cars in the parking lot.

Tornado in LEE, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:10:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHISKEY CREEK
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

NWS Storm Survey detected EF-1 tornado damage across a small portion of Lee County. A roof was partially torn off a condo in the Whiskey Creek area. Damage was also seen to a few palm trees in the area. Four structures sustained damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:14:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:14:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Numerous reports were received of trees and large branches down in Gateway from thunderstorm wind gusts. Lee County Emergency management later reported damage to a few pool cages within Gateway.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:30:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUCKINGHAM
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS and Lee County Emergency Management storm survey found numerous homes that sustained straight-line wind damage. Damage included roof damage, fascia and pieces of lanai and pool screen enclosures being ripped from houses. Storm survey estimates winds were near 80 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:50:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A local TV station in Fort Myers reported significant damage to tents and audio/video equipment outside of a Harley-Davidson dealership. The American Cancer Society was preparing for an annual ball at that location.

Thunderstorm Wind in DE SOTO, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:40:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: LANSING
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office reported numerous powerlines down in Arcadia along with moderate roof damage to 3 homes and minor damage to 17 homes.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, FLORIDA
From 15-JAN-16 11:35:00 to 15-JAN-16 11:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: LEHIGH ACRES
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS and Lee County Emergency Management storm survey found straight-line wind damage on Sheldon Avenue. A few large trees were uprooted, one home had some shingles blown off and a metal shed was blown over.