... Risk of severe weather expected on Wednesday and Wednesday
night...
A low pressure system is expected to continue to develop over
the central Gulf Coast states today and track northeast tonight and
Wednesday. A warm front will lift northward over northeast Florida
and southeast late tonight and early Wednesday.
A trailing cold front from the low pressure system will push toward
the area Wednesday and will be preceded by a line of showers and
thunderstorms. Although atmospheric instability is not
particularly high... strong winds aloft in combination with strong
lift from the cold front will support strong to severe thunderstorms.
The primary threat from severe 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 a
Alma Georgia to Live Oak Florida line by mid afternoon Wednesday and
then move to coastal Georgia and northeast counties by about 8 PM
Wednesday evening. The severe weather threat should be ending by late
Wednesday night as the cold front sweeps south of the area. The Storm
Prediction Center has highlighted a slight risk of severe
thunderstorms for the Jacksonville forecast area.
Outside of the main line of showers and storms... individual showers
and thunderstorms may even produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph
Wednesday morning through Wednesday night. 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.