Three rounds of severe weather expected over the next 24 hours for Northwest Florida
Severe weather is expected to move through the Northwest Florida area this week with severe thunderstorms and torrential rain.
The National Weather Service office in Mobile, Alabama, said the forecast calls for three rounds of severe weather expected to move through the area on Wednesday and Thursday.
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have an "enhanced" risk of severe weather on Wednesday, while areas to the north have a "moderate" risk.
The weather service said thunderstorms are expected to move through the area Wednesday into early Thursday though the exact timing remains uncertain. The first round will occur between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, the second round between 6 p.m. Wednesday and 4 a.m. Thursday and the third round between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday.
The storms will have the chance of producing damaging wind gusts in excess of 70 mph, large hail up to 2 inches in diameter and the chance of tornadoes.
Each cluster of thunderstorms will also bring "torrential rainfall" and develop repeatedly over the same areas. Rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected, with excess amounts of 6 inches possible. The biggest risk of flash flooding in Northwest Florida will be in areas away from the coast.
Several rounds of severe storms expected today. One round late this morning through early afternoon, then a more robust round this evening and overnight.
Damaging winds (up to 70-80 mph), very large hail (2 inches or larger), and possible tornadoes. pic.twitter.com/N4uUkLK93m— NWS Mobile (@NWSMobile) June 14, 2023
Escambia County Emergency Management Office also warned residents to stay safe.
"There is a chance for severe weather in our area tonight and Emergency Management is asking our citizens to keep a few things in mind," said Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins. "Make sure your phone is setup to receive emergency alerts such as severe thunderstorm or tornado watches and warnings. Have a tornado plan in place now in case a tornado warning is issued in your area. This would include making sure that you stay away from windows and doors and get to the center of your house. There is the potential for hail tonight, so bring your pets inside and park your vehicle under covered parking if available. If you receive damage from a storm, you can self report your damage at MyEscambia.com/BeReady, where you can also find preparedness information for all of the above information and more. Have a plan and stay safe."
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Northwest Florida will see severe weather over next 24 hours
