Tornado Watch in Effect for the Panhandle This Morning; Fast-Moving Squall Line Bringing the Threat of Damaging Winds and Embedded Tornadoes Along the I-10 Corridor [Wednesday 11/30/2022]
What: A squall line of strong to severe thunderstorms will continue to quickly progress eastward along the I-10 corridor this morning. There is a Slight Risk for Severe Weather (level 2 of 5) across portions of the western and central Florida Panhandle, with a Marginal Risk (level 1 of 5) extending eastward to the Big Bend. Given the linear organization of this activity, damaging wind gusts of 50-70 mph will be the primary threat; however, an embedded tornado or two cannot be ruled out. An intense burst of 1-2” of rainfall could bring short-lived runoff issues, especially in urban and low-lying/poor drainage areas of the Panhandle. The fast-moving line of strong to severe thunderstorms is forecast to reach the Apalachicola River mid-morning, gradually dissipating over the Big Bend and Suwannee River Valley early this afternoon. A few scattered showers and thunderstorms will remain possible over North-Central Florida through the afternoon hours.
• Where: Panhandle & Big Bend
• When: This Morning – Early Afternoon
• Potential Impacts:
• Scattered damaging wind gusts of 50-70 mph may cause localized power outages, downed trees/limbs, and damage to weak structures (such as mobile/manufactured homes).
• An embedded tornado or two may cause localized greater structural impacts.
• Intense downpours may cause localized pockets of urban/street flooding, mainly over low-lying and poor drainage areas.
• The Tornado Watch currently in effect for the western and central Panhandle may be expanded eastward to the Big Bend later this morning.
