- Greatest risk of a tornado in northeast Florida

- Elevated risk of significant wind damage across nearly the entire peninsula

- Some areas will see at least two rounds of severe thunderstorms

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Confidence is now high that an intense, multifaceted storm system will bring strong or severe thunderstorms to nearly the entire state of Florida Sunday.  Shortly before 1 pm Sunday afternoon the Storm Prediction Center issued a statement saying "This is a particularly dangerous situation." and that "An outbreak of severe storms and tornadoes is expected to unfold over the watch area this afternoon."

A few tornadoes, wind gusts up to 80 mph, and hail up to size of nickels are possible in the strongest cells. The greatest risks of severe weather will accompany a squall line that is expected to cross the peninsula Sunday afternoon and evening.

Strong words from Meteorologist Al Sandrik of @NWSJacksonville with perspective on today's *potential* outbreak of tornadoes in #NFla. #flwx pic.twitter.com/TnNPY6PFEh

— Jeff Huffman (@HuffmanHeadsUp) January 22, 2017

A Tornado Watch is in effect for all of North Florida until 8 pm this evening.

TORNADO WATCH for all of #NFla and parts of #FLPanhandle until 8 pm. Per @NWSSPC, this is a "particularly dangerous situation". #flwx pic.twitter.com/JTSJiMLVlN

— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) January 22, 2017

 

 

The latest forecast data from Saturday evening has confirmed our earlier thinking on the timing...

Latest FUTURE timing of today's severe weather outbreak across Florida. #flwx Tornado Watch continues for North Florida until 8 pm. pic.twitter.com/n5CTgrt5cK

— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) January 22, 2017

 

 

- Panhandle (Tallahassee): Until 3 pm

- North Florida (Gainesville, Ocala, Jacksonville): Until 9 pm

- Central Florida (Tampa, Orlando): 3 to 10 pm

- South Florida (Ft. Myers, Miami, Ft Pierce): 9 pm to 3 am

Storm Hazards

Sunday's storms could produce all forms of severe weather. However, there are certainly areas that are under a greater risk for certain hazards.

 

The tornado risk is highest in the northern part of the state, especially in the early part of the afternoon. Locations near and north of a line from Spring Hill to St. Augustine, and primarily east of Tallahassee should be particularly diligent in having a way of being notified if a tornado warning is issued.

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Wind damage could be widespread in some parts of Florida in the wake of a squall line that develops ahead of the front.  Nearly all areas of the peninsula are at some risk for wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph in the strongest cells.

Hail up to the size of nickels can't be ruled out in the strongest storms, although this risk is fairly minimal compared to the wind and tornado threats.

Localized flooding is also possible in locations that receive multiple rounds of thunderstorms Sunday.  Rainfall will generally range from 1 to 2 inches in most spots, but some locally higher totals are possible.

 

Over 100 reports of damage came in from this storm system across the Mid-South on Saturday.

No rest for the storm weary residents of #AL #GA #MS. Multiple warnings in same areas hit hard earlier today. #mswx #gawx #alwx #flwx pic.twitter.com/0AWiSShl15

— Jeff Huffman (@HuffmanHeadsUp) January 22, 2017

Two rounds of thunderstorms had already hit parts of the Florida Panhandle Saturday, but another round was possible overnight and into the early hours of Sunday.  An area of low pressure is expected to strengthen across the Gulf Coast states Sunday morning, which places the rest of the peninsula under a risk for severe weather by afternoon and evening.