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Storms

Tornado Watch Issued for Central and Northern Florida, Southeastern Georgia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Tornado Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center for portions of Central and Northern Florida, and Southeastern Georgia. The watch is effective from 555 AM EDT on August 5, 2024, until 400 PM EDT, and covers an area approximately 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles east-southeast of Saint Petersburg, Florida, to 50 miles north of Brunswick, Georgia. The watch is due to the expected movement of Hurricane Debby, which is forecast to move slowly northeastward and inland after landfall, potentially leading to a few tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area, with persons in these areas advised to be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions.
  • The watch area is approximately 50 statute miles east and west of a line from 50 miles east-southeast of Saint Petersburg, Florida, to 50 miles north of Brunswick, Georgia.
  • The Associated tornado potential is expected to spread over the watch area and across more of Northern Florida and Southeastern Georgia through early/mid-afternoon.
  • The watch replaces Tornado Watch number 595, which is no longer in effect after 555 AM EDT.
  • The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area, with the actual watch depicted by shaded areas.

Statistics:

  • The tornado watch area is approximately 50 miles east and west of a line from 50 miles east-southeast of Saint Petersburg, Florida, to 50 miles north of Brunswick, Georgia.
  • The watch is effective from 555 AM EDT on August 5, 2024, until 400 PM EDT.
  • The probability of 2 or more tornadoes is moderate (50%).
  • The probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes is low (20%).
  • The probability of 10 or more severe wind events is low (65 knots).

Sources:

  • US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US NOAA)
  • National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center
  • NWS forecast models (NHC)

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