Pre-dawn severe thunderstorms developed across SE GA on the northern side of a lifting warm front across N Florida. Elevated instability and strong dynamics coincided over SE GA ahead of a surface low that track eastward from the FL panhandle toward the local forecast area through the morning hours. Through the late morning hours, the shortwave trough aloft lifted northeast toward the mid-Atlantic coastline into the afternoon. This pulled a very strong low level jet of 50-70 kts NE as well, but continued to produce a favorable environment for severe storms through midday as the warm front lifted north across SE GA placing NE FL in the warm sector under strong dynamics for severe storm potential.

Tornado in MARION, FLORIDA
From 20-APR-20 08:35:00 to 20-APR-20 08:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANKS CORNER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF1 tornado briefly touched down near the eastern section of Marion Oaks, impacted Courtlandt Farm, Lyladaisical Ranch, crossed I-75 south, damaged the SECO power station just east of I-75 and damaged a home and several structures across the street from the power station along SW 16th Avenue before lifting up across the property fields.  A video was taking of the tornado crossing I-75. At the start of the event the tornado was rated an EF0 with peak winds near 85 near Courtlandt Farm and Lyladiasical Ranch. Damage in this area on the west side of I-75 included large hardwood trees with multiple branches blown down, fencing damaged, and cedar trees and southwoods damaged. The SECO power station had signficant damage to its utility structures. There were two wooden structures with more than 20% of their roofs uplifted. A nearby structure had fascades ripped off of it. A street sign was twisted and snapped.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, FLORIDA
From 20-APR-20 08:37:00 to 20-APR-20 08:37:00 (EST-5)
Location: PEDRO
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A construction trailer was blown across Interstate 75 at the Ocala Weigh Station near Belleview. The time of damage was based on radar data.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, FLORIDA
From 20-APR-20 08:56:00 to 20-APR-20 08:56:00 (EST-5)
Location: CANDLER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

The Florida State Watch office relayed a report of roof and window damage along Sapphire Run near Silver Springs Shores. The windows were blown out. The time of damage was based on radar.

Thunderstorm Wind in FLAGLER, FLORIDA
From 20-APR-20 09:27:00 to 20-APR-20 09:27:00 (EST-5)
Location: PALM COAST
Magnitude: 39.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down along Palm Harbor drive near Hammock Dunes Bridge. One minute later the WeatherStem station on the bridge reported a peak wind gust of 45 mph. The cost of damage was unknown, but it was estimated for inclusion of the event in Storm Data.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, FLORIDA
From 20-APR-20 08:36:00 to 20-APR-20 08:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANKS CORNER
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The Florida State Watch office relayed a report that pine trees were blown down and blocked the right and center southbound lanes of Interstate 75 near mile marker 340 near Marion Oaks. The time of damage was based on radar.