Tornado Watch Issued as Severe Storms Target Gulf Coast Monday

February 15,2016



 
A developing area of low pressure associated with Winter Storm Olympia is helping to trigger the development of strong to severe thunderstorms in the South on Monday. In addition to damaging wind gusts and large hail, the storms could spawn a few tornadoes.
Damage has been reported from the storms in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. For more information on the damage we've seen so far, click the link below.
(MORE: Possible Tornado Damage in the South)
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has issued the following tornado watches:

• A tornado watch is in effect until 1 a.m. EST for southwestern Georgia and portions of the central and eastern Florida Panhandle. This watch area includes Tallahassee.

Below are the forecast details on the severe weather threat as well as the latest radar, watches and warnings.

Monday Night Forecast

Thunderstorm Forecast Monday

Severe Threat Areas: A few severe storms possible from southeast Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle during the evening. On Monday night, the chance of isolated severe storms will be found from southern Mississippi through northern Florida, southern Georgia into the coastal South Carolina.
Threats: Damaging wind gusts, some hail, and perhaps a tornado or two.
Cities: New Orleans | Mobile | Pensacola
Flood Threat Areas: Heavy rainfall, which could result is localized flooding, is also likely through Monday from eastern Tennessee into the central Appalachians.

Tuesday Forecast

• Severe Threat Areas: An isolated severe storm threat may continue in eastern North Carolina during the first half of the day. In addition, strong winds not associated with thunderstorms could impact coastal New England, leading to downed tree limbs and power lines.
• Flood Threat Areas: Heavy rain in the Northeast may cause some urban and poor drainage flooding issues.

Current Radar with Watches and Warnings

(MORE: View National Interactive Radar Map | Difference Between a Watch and a Warning)

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PHOTOS: January Cape Coral, Florida Tornado