The Washington County, Florida Emergency Operations Center has issued a warning concerning the upcoming storm system that’ll be coming through between 2AM-6AM Thursday morning.
The NWS has put a great portion of the panhandle, including Washington County, in an “Enhanced” risk area, this is a 3 of 5 levels, five being the worst. It’s very rare for us to be in an Enhanced risk.
Here are some bullets from the attached briefing packet.
- A strong storm system will move across the Midsouth on Wednesday and approach our region Wednesday Night. Strong wind shear in place across the region will be supportive of severe storms, especially in Southeast Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
- Some of the severe storms could be significant, with long tracked tornadoes ESF 2 or higher and destructive straight line winds in excess of 75 mph, which is hurricane force.
- The severe weather threat will continue into Thursday across South Georgia and the Florida Big Bend, but the storms are anticipated to weaken while moving eastward on Thursday. In these areas, isolated tornadoes and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph are possible.
- Strong southerly winds on Wednesday, with gusts to 45 mph could cause some weakened trees to fall. Moreover, these winds will also create the potential for minor to moderate coastal flooding, especially in Apalachee Bay Wednesday Night and Thursday, as well as high surf and marine gales.
- Rainfall amounts widespread will likely be 1.5-2 inches with isolated areas 3-4 inches.
Our office will be attending another NWS webinar tomorrow at 1:30PM. We will update you as soon as we have further information.
Connie Welch, FPEM, EM Coordinator, Washington County Emergency Management
2300 Pioneer Road, Chipley, FL 32428, 850.638.6203
