- Highest chances in panhandle Saturday, rest of peninsula on Sunday
- Hazards include wind damage, hail, and isolated tornadoes
- Localized flooding due to heavy rain also a concern
A strong storm system will produce multiple rounds of thunderstorms this weekend across The Sunshine State. Some of them could produce wind damage, hail, or even an isolated tornadoes. The risks are highest in the Florida Panhandle Saturday, then spreading across much of the peninsula on Sunday.
Multiple rounds of severe weather are expected across Florida this weekend. @HuffmanHeadsUp on the latest timing, location & hazards. #flwx pic.twitter.com/wzRDxsgX4S
— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) January 20, 2017
Florida Panhandle
The severe weather risk will begin as early as Friday evening across the Florida Panhandle and quickly diminish overnight. A second round of showers and thunderstorms could develop toward daybreak, but is not likely to be widespread or severe.
The third round is the most concerning. A low pressure system will strengthen and enhance the chance for severe weather along the eastern portion of the Florida Panhandle (near Tallahassee and Panama City) Saturday afternoon. Severe storms, including the threat for tornadoes cannot be ruled out at this time.
North Florida
The highest chance for severe weather in North Florida will be Saturday night. The storms could begin as early as Saturday afternoon, but will increase in intensity and coverage during the evening hours. The primary concern with the strongest storms that develop are damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
The threat for strong storms will continue on Sunday as a strong low pressure system moves closer to the region. The hightest chances for damaging storms Sunday will be near and south of a line from Jacksonville to Cedar Key.
Central Florida
Multiple rounds of strong to severe storms will likely move through Central Florida on Sunday ahead of the frontal boundary. It is still too early to pin down how strong these storms will be once the system moves into this part of the state. We encourage you to closely monitor your local forecast over the coming days.
South Florida
Strong storms are possible in South Florida Sunday night as the cold front makes it’s way through the southern tip of the peninsula. The primary hazard with these storms are damaging winds. Seas will also be rough for boaters through Tuesday due to gusty winds.
The severe weather threat will diminish on Monday as cooler and drier air moves into the state.