Lawtey, Florida

... Potential for severe weather Thursday night into Christmas
morning...

A developing low pressure system will continue to impact the central
United States through Thursday then is forecast to lift north-
northeast on Christmas day and into the weekend.

A trailing cold front from the low pressure system will push toward
the area Thursday night and will be preceded by a line of
showers and thunderstorms. Although atmospheric instability is not
particularly high... strong winds aloft and increasing lift will
likely support strong to severe thunderstorms. The primary threat
from these storms will be damaging winds but there is a risk of an
isolated tornado mainly within the squall line. Cloud to ground
lightning and very heavy rainfall will also accompany the squall
line. Although there is some uncertainty on the timing of the squall
line... the best estimate at this time is it moving to an Alma Georgia
to Live Oak Florida line Thursday evening... reaching the coastal
sections late Thursday night or during the early morning hours on
Christmas day. The severe weather threat should be ending by
Christmas morning as the cold front advances across the area.

Outside of the main line of showers and storms... individual showers
and thunderstorms may even produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph
beginning late Thursday afternoon along the I-75 and U.S. Highway
441 corridors. Winds of this intensity are capable of uprooting small
trees and overturning sheds and small structures.

Law enforcement agencies... emergency management officials... storm
spotter groups... and other interested concerns should monitor this
situation and take appropriate action should severe weather approach
your area.

Marine interests operating in the coastal and inland waters... be
aware of the risk of high winds and rough seas with approaching
storms and be prepared to seek safe Harbor.

Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio... commercial television or radio
stations... or your cable television provider for later statements
concerning this severe weather event.