FLORIDA PANHANDLE — A Tornado Warning is in effect this morning for southwestern Gulf County, including Port St. Joe and White City, as a dangerous storm system sweeps across the Florida Panhandle.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee issued the warning at 6:50 a.m. EST, reporting a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado located about 8 miles west of Port St. Joe, moving east at 35 mph. Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately as radar indicates strong rotation within the storm.
Locations under immediate threat include Port St. Joe by 6:55 a.m. and White City by around 7:10 a.m. Other nearby communities—St. Joseph State Park, Highland View, Ward Ridge, Simmons Bayou, and Odena—may also experience damaging winds, heavy rain, and flying debris.
Forecasters warn that this storm poses a life-threatening risk, especially to anyone in mobile homes or vehicles. Flying debris could cause injury, and roof and tree damage are likely. The Tornado Warning remains active until 7:30 a.m. EST / 6:30 a.m. CST, but additional warnings could follow as storms track eastward across the Panhandle.
Motorists traveling along U.S. Highway 98 and State Route 71 should avoid the area until the warning expires. If caught outside, find a low-lying ditch or sturdy structure and protect your head from debris.
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, local media, or trusted alerts for real-time updates.
This is a developing severe weather situation, and forecasters warn the region could see additional rotating storms through mid-morning as warm Gulf air fuels instability.
