TALLAHASSEE, Florida — A massive winter storm is currently barreling through the central United States.
As this storm system treks eastward, the National Weather Service is warning of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes Tuesday night into Wednesday morning for Northwest Florida.
The Panhandle, along with southeastern Alabama and areas just east of the Alabama-Georgia border, is under a Slight Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe weather, with an Enhanced Risk (level 3 of 5) extending across the Panhandle – mainly for Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.
The risk shifts east of the Flint River Valley for Wednesday morning through midday.
According to the National Weather Service Tallahassee, the primary weather threats in descending order of likelihood are damaging gusts, tornadoes, and isolated large hail.
Strong gusty winds are expected today and tonight ahead of a frontal system. Gusts of 40-45 mph are expected away from any thunderstorms. Downed tree branches, blown around loose objects, and power outages are possible.
What Damage Can Large Hailstones Do?
Storms that produce hailstones the size of quarters or larger can result in dents on cars, damage to roofs, break windows, and can be deadly to animals and people.
Large hailstones can fall at speeds faster than 100 mph
