the 1998 kissimmee tornado outbreak, also known as the central florida tornado outbreak or the night of the tornadoes was a deadly tornado event in florida during the night of february 22-23, 1998 in the central part of the state, including the orlando area. the outbreak killed 42 people and injured 260, the worst such tornado event in florida since march 31, 1962. the first major tornado hit winter garden at 11:40 p.m., and the deadliest tornado struck the kissimmee area at 12:40 a.m. before dissipating at 1:28 a.m. est.