SW Florida storms bring high winds, power outages and possible tornado
For the second afternoon in a row, Southwest Florida residents experienced strong thunderstorms and lightning and even possibly an unconfirmed tornado in Naples.
With as much as three inches of rain in some spots, Gulf Coast News had reported its radar detecting potential circulation that could produce a funnel cloud or even a quick tornado off Vanderbilt Beach Road near I-75 around 3:30 p.m. Friday. But that was unconfirmed as of Friday night by the National Weather Service.
The Naples Daily News weather tracking tool noted winds of up to 63 mph at about that time, and the Weather Service confirmed winds of 60-70 mph.
Residents via various platforms reported trees damaged or down, and the Weather Service had received a report of possible minor damage to one roof.
"I was literally on Vanderbilt turning into the Vineyards and said, "I think I am driving through a dang tornado," said Naples resident Tay Meeks Hopkins. :It was absolutely crazy. I immediately pulled over and waited - the weather was already bad but it became significantly worse for about 10 seconds. A complete white wash, couldn't even see out my front window at all."
As of 6 p.m. Friday, 3,379 were without power in Lee County and 2,224 in Collier County, according to FindEnergy.com, Just before 3 p.m. Friday, Weather Underground reported that Page Field in Fort Myers hit 96 degrees, which would at least tie the day's record high.
Saturday's Weather Service forecast that includes Southwest Florida calls for sunny skies with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, then partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humid with highs in the mid 90s. Southeast winds 5 to 10 mph, becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of rain 50 percent. Heat index values up to 110.
Writing In the Know for the USA TODAY Network, Columnist Phil Fernandez (pfernandez@gannett.com) grew up in Southwest Florida and has led Pulitzer Prize-winning efforts. Sign up for our free Breaking Ground growth and development newsletter. Subscribe to our News-Press and Naples Daily News apps.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: SW Florida storms bring high winds, power outages and possible tornado
Reporting by Phil Fernandez and Alexa Ryan, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 8:03 PM.