TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A new Tornado Watch is in effect for the Big Bend region and southwest Georgia until 2:00 pm as a line of severe storms moves into the region.
Storms moving in will be capable of producing heavy rainfall, damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes through early this afternoon.
A coastal flood warning is in effect for the whole stretch of Big Bend coastline through Thursday evening.
Storms with the system are expected to create the strongest wind gusts, near 60 mph or higher in some cases. Thunderstorms within and just ahead of the mainline can strengthen and cause brief spin-up tornadoes. The line of storms is forecast to gradually weaken as it goes east by mid-afternoon, though some severe weather potential will continue in the I-75 counties and farther east.
Times of heavy rain will accompany the storms. While some grounds are still saturated from previous rain events, the flooding risk is initially limited.
The cold front causing this round of storms will stall south of the region, reducing rain coverage for Friday. A system will enter the region Saturday, renewing scattered rain coverage possibilities for southern and coastal areas. Thunderstorm strength is not anticipated to be severe in a broader sense, though a couple of stronger storms for the Florida peninsula are possible this weekend.
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