SEVERE WEATHER RISK TO THE EAST; FLASH FLOOD RISK CONTINUES… The overall risk of strong to severe storms is now lower now that the upper-level support has moved well off to our northeast, although the complete risk is NOT over just yet. We had multiple tornado warnings in the Florida Panhandle. There also were multiple tornado warnings in central Alabama earlier north of Prattville and Montgomery. A brief, spin-up tornado is LESS likely in our local area in southwest Alabama and northwest Florida at this point, although the threat is NOT zero just yet. I think the biggest risk going forward for most local spots will be heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding.
NEW TORNADO WATCH… The Storm Prediction Center has just issued a new Tornado Watch valid until 1AM for southeast Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and much of southwest Georgia. There still are numerous showers and storms happening in Walton, Washington (FL), Jackson, and Okaloosa counties in NW Florida. These storms could quickly become severe, given the right circumstances. In our local area, Covington and Okaloosa counties are the only counties included in the new Tornado Watch.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING CONTINUES… The headline of the day thus far in our local area has clearly been flash flooding in the southern parts of Baldwin, Escambia (FL), and Santa Rosa counties. Unfortunately, another band of heavy rain is moving through Foley, Elberta, and Lillian right now. These storms will move into the Pensacola metro within the hour, only exacerbating flash flooding conditions. The Flash Flood WATCH will also continue into the overnight hours for northwest Florida and Covington County.
INTERMITTENT STORMS TO CONTINUE… Until a cold front moves through overnight, our low-end severe weather risk and the risk of flash flooding will continue. I know it’s been a mostly dry day for many spots in west Alabama, but rain totals just to the southeast in parts of NW Florida have exceeded 5 inches in total in some spots. It’s been a long day, but unfortunately, I must ask everyone to have a way to receive warnings into the overnight hours just in case we happen to have a rogue tornado warning. The chances are LOW, but not zero.
