Severe weather, potentially involving tornadoes, causes extensive damage in Florida. The attention now turns to the Southeast and mid-Atlantic on Tuesday as the threat persists.
Florida experienced significant damage from likely tornadoes early Tuesday morning. The severe weather threat continues as powerful storms are expected to develop later in the day, posing risks of additional tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds across the Southeast to the mid-Atlantic.
Severe thunderstorms struck the Gulf Coast from Texas to the Florida Panhandle on Monday, causing widespread damage. The impact continued into Tuesday morning.
Several Tornado Warnings, with many confirmed by Doppler radar, have been issued in the region since Monday. This number is expected to increase as thunderstorms rapidly move eastward at speeds of up to 70 mph throughout the day.
A significant storm is sweeping across the United States, bringing heavy snow and blizzards to the Plains and Midwest. As it continues, the system is expected to bring substantial rain, strong winds, and a high risk of flooding and power outages to the Northeast and New England.
Florida Experiences Severe Weather and Likely Tornadoes, Resulting in Significant Damage.
On Tuesday morning, severe thunderstorms caused damage as they moved from Mobile, Alabama, to the Florida Panhandle. Bay County and Walton County were particularly affected by the storms.
“We experienced numerous tornadoes in Walton County,” informed Kevin Guthrie, Director of Florida Division of Emergency Management. He stated, “There are tornadoes in Panama City as well. Significant damage occurred in the Lower Lagoon area, affecting a condo and a couple of houses.” The storms also flipped over boats in the region, Guthrie added.
“We’re waiting for the weather to improve so we can send assistance and begin search and rescue with the fire department,” Guthrie explained. He noted that they’ve been monitoring the situation all night. Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida State Guard on Monday to prepare for the storm and response efforts. Guthrie added, “It’s going to be a very long day here in Florida.”
In Bay County, there are reported injuries, but the exact number is still unknown. Significant damage has occurred throughout the county. Emergency teams, including the Red Cross, are collaborating, and search and rescue teams are being sent out to locate anyone trapped in debris. The Florida Highway Patrol has closed the West Bay and Hathaway bridges until the storm threat passes.
A Florida town reports a 106-mph wind gust, resembling a Category 2 hurricane, amid severe weather.
Severe weather caused significant damage in the region. It wasn’t just tornadoes; large hail and strong winds impacted areas from Texas to Florida, including New Orleans. The National Weather Service reported an exceptionally strong 106-mph wind near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.
Videos from Pensacola, Florida, captured heavy rain and strong winds. On Monday, Texas and Louisiana experienced harsh weather with large hail and strong winds. The National Weather Service in Lake Charles, Louisiana, shared a photo of hail larger than 2 inches. Additionally, there is visible damage to a mobile home in Labadieville, Louisiana, lifted by strong winds and slammed into a fire department.Residents along the Gulf Coast are now coping with the aftermath of severe storms that occurred on Monday and Tuesday. Attention is shifting to the Southeast and mid-Atlantic as the storm moves in, posing the risk of tornadoes, strong winds, and large hail.
Ongoing developments are taking place.
The radar is active this morning, displaying heavy rain in the South and a line of storms causing issues. It’s anticipated to stay active as the threat of severe weather moves east, putting many at risk. Tornado Watches are in effect for parts of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, including cities like Destin, Panama City, and Tallahassee. Reports of power outages have come in, and these numbers may increase as the storms progress across the region on Tuesday.