ATTENTION: A TORNADO WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR SEVERAL COUNTIES IN OUR AREA UNTIL 1:00 PM ET. COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE JACKSON AND CALHOUN IN FLORIDA. FOR GEORGIA, COUNTIES IN THE WATCH ARE SEMINOLE, MILLER, BAKER, MITCHELL, COLQUITT, TIFT.
MIDWAY, Fl. (WTXL) -- Strong to severe storms are expected today, with the activity possibly starting in the mid to late morning, peaking in the afternoon & evening, with lingering activity late tonight. A strong upper level low in the Midwest is carrying a potent storm system to the east.
All modes of severe weather are possible today (hail, damaging winds, tornadoes) due to the combination of convective, dynamic, and moisture factors.
The morning will be warm and muggy, with temperatures in the upper 60s to lower and mid 70s. Dew points are well into the 60s and above 70° in many spots. This means that the environment is already warm and moist enough to support morning storm activity (which has already occurred since midnight). Rain coverage will be isolated early on (30%) but will sharply jump after 12:00pm, with maximum coverage today expected to be widespread (80%).
Storms before the peak of the afternoon that turn severe will have higher risks for large hail and damaging winds. Most of these storms will occur along the Chattahoochee/Apalachicola Rivers and points west. As the morning progresses, more of these storms are expected to move east.
While clouds are anticipated to be numerous today, breaks of sunlight are very possible. If this occurs, the heat from the sun will make the air even MORE unstable. Highs may reach the lower to mid 80s today. This will increase the severe risk for parts of the viewing area in the afternoon. The round of storms after the morning threat will occur in the afternoon, starting before the evening rush hour. Isolated supercells are possible along a broken line that will push east. These supercells can contain large hail, heavy rain, excessive lightning, gusty winds in excess of 60 mph, and tornadoes.
The SPC issues severe outlooks on a scale of 1 to 5. Most of the region is in a SLIGHT (2/5) or ENHANCED (3/5) risk for severe weather. Some of our Georgia counties north of U.S. 84 are in a MODERATE (4/5) risk. ENHANCED and MODERATE areas are highlighted to have the greatest potential to see severe weather. However, ALL of the viewing area could see a severe storm. Because of this, stay weather aware and vigilant throughout today and tonight. Have a way to receive warnings. This could be a smartphone notification, the WTXL Weather NOW app, a weather radio, or other device.
If a tornado threatens you, know where to go in your residence or business. The innermost room in the building that is away from windows is a safe bet. Have an emergency plan available in case the worst happens. There is no guarantee that you will be hit by a tornado, but having supplies ready in case of a worst-case scenario won't hurt. We here at the Storm Team want everyone to be safe!
Your Beach and Boating forecast is below. Small Craft Advisories (SCA) will be active by 2:00pm ET today.
Tide Times for Wednesday are below:
After the Wednesday (early-morning Thursday) storms, a cold front will pass. This will allow high pressure to build in. Drier and cooler air will move in and stay with us through Saturday, before warming back up for next week.
You can catch the forecast on WTXL Sunrise starting at 5:00, as well as WTXL Midday at Noon. Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse has your forecast at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 this evening.
Plus, you can get the Storm Team Forecast every 10 minutes on Channel 27.3 Weather NOW.
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