Severe Thunderstorm Risk, Red Flag Warning For North Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a weather alert for North Florida and southeast Georgia on Saturday, February 21, 2026, due to a Level 1/5 (Marginal) risk of strong-to-severe thunderstorms.

Thunderstorm activity is expected to develop in isolated areas along a cold front, mainly across interior southeast Georgia during the late afternoon and evening.

According to NWS Jacksonville, isolated strong-to-severe thunderstorms may develop, with the primary impacts across interior southeast Georgia.

Stronger storms may produce:

• Gusty winds (40-60 mph)
• Small hail
• Heavy downpours
• Frequent lightning

Additionally, high wildfire danger is expected on Sunday due to gusty winds and extreme drought conditions. A Red Flag Warning is in effect from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday for all of Northeast and North Central Florida, plus Echols, Clinch, Charlton, and Southern Ware Counties in Southeast Georgia, with northwesterly wind gusts of 25-35 mph and minimum humidity around 25%. Practice wildfire prevention measures.

A chance of showers is expected tonight and Sunday morning, with rainfall amounts generally light, though locally higher in any stronger storms.

Areas at risk for thunderstorms include:

• Waycross
• Alma
• Douglas
• Jesup
• Homerville

Jacksonville Weather Forecast

Saturday Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 86°F. Southwest winds around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms possible in nearby areas late afternoon and evening, mainly in southeast Georgia. Hazards include gusty winds up to 60 mph and small hail.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a 40% chance of showers after 1am. Low around 62°F. Southwest winds around 10 mph.

Sunday
A 40% chance of showers before 10am. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 68°F (falling to around 60°F during the remainder of the day). Breezy, with northwest winds 10 to 18 mph, gusts up to 28 mph.

Sunday Night
Clear, with a low around 36°F. Breezy, with northwest winds 16 to 18 mph, gusts as high as 25 mph. Wind chill values as low as 29°F.

The NWS Jacksonville forecast indicates a chance of light rainfall with these showers, providing some moisture amid ongoing extreme drought conditions, while the primary concerns remain damaging winds from any stronger storms and elevated fire danger.