TALLAHASSEE (WTXL) — Early-morning storm activity is expected to renew the severe-weather risk in the Big Bend and state line regions Tuesday.
A complex of storms is steadily moving eastward across the Gulf Coast states this morning. While quite strong over the central Gulf region, the blob of rain and storms remains intact with a little less intensity over land. Active thunderstorms with bountiful lightning persist in offshore waters.
This storm cluster is projected to reach the western side of the Big Bend area before sunrise. Though it has shown some modest weakening in its strength, it is forecast to carry strong wind gusts that can reach or exceed 65 mph. A few tornadoes can develop along the advancing edge of the cluster.
Areas most prone to the effects of the morning storms will be counties around and south of the Florida/Georgia state line. Timing focuses on western areas (near the Apalachicola River) as early as 3 a.m., moving east steadily through sunrise, and exiting the Suwannee Valley before or by 10 a.m.
Scattered pockets of rain will remain across the region through midday and the afternoon, though less organized and not likely to cause widespread severe-weather issues by then.
A new severe thunderstorm or tornado watch may be issued for some local counties, if deemed necessary by the Storm Prediction Center. Severe-related warnings can go into effect as the storms move through, even if there is no formal watch area.
