A Tornado Watch has been issued for the counties of Escambia and Santa Rosa, including the city of Pensacola, until 10PM CDT Tuesday night.
A strong squall line, ahead of a cold front, was moving eastward across the lower Mississippi Valley Tuesday afternoon producing multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Mississippi. This line of strong storms is anticipated to migrate towards the western Florida Panhandle late Tuesday night, and arrive before midnight.
A favorable atmospheric environment containing strong moisture levels and wind shear continue to be present ahead of these storms which will keep most of the line potent as it moves into the Sunshine State. Damaging straight line winds, small hail, and the chance of isolated tornadoes will be possible this evening and overnight. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect through late Wednesday night for parts of the western and central Panhandle. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected; however, locally heavier amounts of 6-8 inches could be possible.
A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadic development. The watch area could be extended eastwards depending on the strength of the system as it arrives Tuesday night.
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