Tallahassee, Florida – Residents across the Florida Panhandle and southeast Alabama could be jolted awake by strong thunderstorms late tonight as a fast-moving storm line pushes through the region, bringing the threat of 50 to 60 mph wind gusts and isolated tornadoes before daybreak Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Level 1 and Level 2 severe weather risks (Marginal to Slight) extend across the Florida Panhandle, southeast Alabama, and parts of southwest Georgia through early Thursday morning. The system is expected to arrive late tonight and continue into the early morning hours, with the greatest tornado potential focused across Panama City, Dothan, Marianna, and surrounding communities.
Forecasters say a few tornadoes are possible, especially across the western Panhandle and southeast Alabama where atmospheric conditions could briefly support rotating storms. Damaging wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph are the most widespread concern as the storm line moves east overnight.
While much of the Florida Big Bend and south-central Georgia currently sits outside the main severe zone, officials note that a faster-moving storm line could push the severe threat farther east, including areas near Tallahassee before sunrise.
Residents are urged to keep emergency alerts enabled on their phones, check NOAA weather radios, and avoid using “Do Not Disturb” overnight so warnings can be received immediately.
The storm line should exit the region by early Thursday morning, but additional updates could be issued tonight if the system strengthens as it approaches the Gulf Coast.
