Pensacola, FL — The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for the Florida Panhandle until 6 a.m. Thursday. Tropical Storm Francine’s outer bands are moving inland, increasing the risk of tornadoes throughout the night.
The watch affects areas along a 55-mile-wide zone from northwest of Slidell, Louisiana, to southeast of Crestview, Florida. According to the NWS, a few transient supercells within Francine’s bands could produce isolated tornadoes. Residents should remain vigilant as the threat will continue into the early morning hours.
A tornado watch signals favorable conditions for tornadoes, so those in the Florida Panhandle should monitor weather reports and be ready to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Wind gusts of up to 50 knots may also affect aviation.
