A strong cold front is expected to move through the region on Sunday, bringing a risk of severe weather in the afternoon and evening. According to officials, the primary hazards associated with these storms include isolated strong to damaging wind gusts between 40-60 mph and the possibility of a brief tornado or two. The threat will mostly occur as a broken band of storms during periods of highest instability.
Most counties in the area, except for Dixie and Lafayette Counties, are currently under a Marginal Risk (level 1 out of 5) for severe weather. In addition to storm activity, breezy conditions are anticipated throughout Sunday, with frequent wind gusts reaching 25-35 mph. There is also a low chance (10%) that some gusts could exceed 40 mph, which may prompt a Wind Advisory.
After the passage of the cold front, temperatures are forecasted to drop sharply as arctic air moves into the area. A medium chance exists for hard freezes over Central Time Zone counties by Monday morning. Elevated winds will contribute to wind chills ranging from the upper teens to mid-20s west of the Apalachicola and Flint Rivers.
The outlook indicates a medium to high probability of hard freezes—defined as temperatures at or below 25 degrees Fahrenheit—occurring nightly from Monday through at least the end of next week. The coldest period is likely Monday night into Tuesday morning when lows may fall into the upper teens to mid-20s and wind chills could reach into the low to mid-teens across much of the region.
Authorities advise residents that Freeze Watches/Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories are likely in effect, with Extreme Cold Watches/Warnings possible for Tuesday morning if conditions worsen. These repetitive hard freezes and hazardous wind chills may pose additional risks for unprotected individuals and exposed plumbing systems.
“While specific timing is still uncertain, this will mostly be a Sunday afternoon and evening threat when we have the most instability. This will be in the form of a broken band of storms. Isolated strong to damaging wind gusts of 40-60 mph and a brief tornado or two would be the primary hazards with any strong or severe storms,” officials stated.
“Behind Sunday’s cold front, temperatures will drop quickly as arctic air arrives. There is a medium chance of a hard freeze over the Central Time Zone counties by Monday morning,” they added.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local updates for further advisories regarding potential severe weather and freezing conditions.
