Tornado watch issued for western Panhandle. Large hail, flooding rain possible
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the western Panhandle.
The watch is in effect until 3 p.m. Central time for the following counties: Bay, Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.
A few tornadoes are possible, along with scattered hail up to 2 inches. Scattered wind gusts up to 65 mph are also possible today, according to the Weather Service office in Mobile.
A flood watch is also in effect until 10 p.m. for portions of Northwest Florida, including coastal Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties.
Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible through this evening.
Showers and thunderstorms will increase across the western Florida Panhandle this morning, with additional rounds of showers and storms possible through the afternoon and evening.
Very heavy rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches, with localized totals in excess of 6 inches will be possible through this evening, according to the Weather Service.
Severe weather was expected in the area both Wednesday and Thursday.
Severe weather expected: Three rounds of severe weather expected over the next 24 hours for Northwest Florida
Severe weather pounds Tallahassee: Trees downed, power knocked out for more than 20,000 customers
"Make sure your phone is set up to receive emergency alerts such as severe thunderstorm or tornado watches and warnings," said Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins.
"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.
"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."
Multiple tornadoes were reported Wednesday as severe weather hit Alabama and Georgia.
Tornadoes: Multiple tornadoes reported as severe weather outbreak hits Alabama, Georgia
Weather watches and warnings issued for Pensacola, Panhandle
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Weather alerts issued in Florida
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This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Tornado watch issued for several Florida counties. Large hail, rain
