Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado Risk For North Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a severe weather outlook for North Florida, due to the risk of severe thunderstorms across north Florida ahead of an approaching cold front on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Afternoon and Evening Storm Risks

According to NWS Jacksonville, strong to isolated severe thunderstorms are possible during the afternoon and evening on Wednesday.

Storm coverage on Wednesday should be greatest between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. north of a line  from Palm Coast to Ocala.

Stronger storms will be capable of producing:

• Damaging winds (40-60 mph), capable of impacting structures and trees.
• Isolated tornadoes cannot be ruled out.
• Heavy downpours, which may lead to localized flooding in areas already saturated from recent rainfall.
• Frequent lightning strikes, which may be fatal to people and pets who remain outside.

The greatest chance for severe weather is along the I-10 corridor. North Florida cities at risk for severe weather include:

• Jacksonville
• Jacksonville Beach
• Saint Augustine
• Palm Coast
• Ocala
• Palatka
• Gainesville
• Lake City
• Live Oak

The rain and cloud coverage will bring some much needed relief to North Florida from the excessive heat this week.

Heat indices across North Florida will drop from the high 90s on Wednesday to high 80s on Thursday.

Jacksonville Weather Forecast