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The Florida El Niño Outbreak of February 22 and 23, 1998 was the deadliest tornado event in Florida history. Forty-two people were killed and 260 were injured; seven tornadoes were involved in the event. The previous record for the highest tornado death toll in Florida history was 17 on March 31, 1962.
The tornadoes were strong due to an abnormally strong jet stream with warm, humid air out ahead of the cold front. This is common in an El Niño pattern.
The first tornado of the outbreak came at around 11:40 P.M. in Lake County, Florida. Three were killed in this tornado. The most notable tornado of the night hit in Kissimmee. Twenty-five were killed. It was an F3. Another F3 hit in Seminole County, Florida near Sanford and Volusia County, Florida killing 13. The last tornado of the night hit in Brevard County, Florida.