A powerful winter weather system is expected to bring dangerous winds, gale conditions, and bitterly cold temperatures to North Florida, South Georgia, Southeast Alabama, and the eastern Gulf waters this weekend into early next week.
According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Tallahassee, a Gale Watch is in effect for coastal waters from the Okaloosa–Walton County line to the Suwannee River, extending out 60 nautical miles, from late Friday night through Sunday morning. Northeast winds are forecast to increase to 25 to 35 knots, with gusts reaching 40 to 45 knots, while seas build to 7 to 13 feet.
On land, Saturday will be the windiest day, with widespread wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph expected across the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia. The strongest gusts are anticipated near I-10, US-98, and I-75, potentially making travel difficult for high-profile vehicles and blowing around unsecured outdoor items. Wind Advisories may be issued as conditions become more certain.
Behind the system, an Arctic air mass will settle over the region, bringing hard freezes and dangerously low wind chills. The coldest conditions are expected Sunday morning, when wind chills could drop into the single digits across parts of south Georgia and southeast Alabama, with teens and lower 20s possible across North Florida.
Overnight temperatures Saturday night into Sunday and again Sunday night into Monday may fall into the upper teens and 20s, posing risks to unprotected people, pets, plants, and plumbing.
Mariners are strongly advised to remain in port or seek safe harbor, while residents should secure loose objects, dress in layers, and monitor updated forecasts.
This cold and windy pattern may be especially impactful for early-morning commuters, outdoor workers, and students traveling before sunrise.
Updates are available at weather.gov/tallahassee.
