Cyclone Benjamin (2016)

Cyclone Benjamin is a currently active tropical-like cyclone in Lake Okeechobee, Florida. It became the first offseason super cyclone in history early on March 25, when it intensified to a peak intensity of 115 mph. It is currently threatening the area near Lakeport, Florida, and light rains could spread to the city of Okeechobee.

Meteorological History
On March 13, the BNWC noted the possibility of tropical-like cyclogenesis in the following week as wind shear was expected to drop and sea surface temperatures began to rise. A low pressure system formed on March 20, slightly later than expected. Nonetheless, the BNWC continued to monitor the system, and at 15:00 UTC on March 23, the BNWC upgraded the system to Cyclonic Depression Two-O. Late that evening, Two-O was upgraded to Cyclonic Storm Benjamin. Benjamin slowly intensified over the next few hours. By early on March 24, it neared Cyclone strength. On March 24, Benjamin began to rapidly intensify under favorable conditions. At 12:00 UTC on March 25, Benjamin had attained Super Cyclone intensity. Increasing wind shear and drier air then began to slowly weaken the system. Benjamin steadily weakened, and at 21:00 UTC on March 26, Benjamin was downgraded to a cyclonic storm after a recon flight could not identify cyclone-force winds. At the 5:00 PM advisory, the BNWC issued a Cyclonic Storm Warning for Lakeport, Florida and its surrounding area.