What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
On a severe weather day in your area, you may be subject to a tornado watch or even a tornado warning. What’s the difference?
Accuweather
A tornado warning has been issued for three counties in the western panhandle of Florida as Tropical Storm Francine moves further inland.
Francine made landfall in Louisiana around 8 p.m. Wednesday evening with wind speeds of 100 mph.
➤ Track all active storms
➤ Weather warnings via SMS: Sign up to receive updates on current storms and weather events by location
As of 4 a.m. CDT, Francine was located 170 miles west of Pensacola. As it moves further inland this morning, heavy rain is spreading across the Panhandle, Mississippi, and Alabama, prompting the issuance of several warnings, watches, and advisories.
Here’s what you should know:
Tornado warning issued for parts of the Florida Panhandle
A tornado warning has been issued for the following counties in Florida:
- Escambia
- Okaloosa
- Santa Rosa
The tornado warning remains in effect until 6:00 a.m. CDT.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning means that tornadoes are possible in and around the warning area.
Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies, and check your safe room.
Be prepared to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. The Storm Prediction Center issues warnings for counties where tornadoes may occur. The warning area is usually large, covering several counties or even states.
Flood, wind warnings and other weather alerts issued for the Florida Panhandle
In parts of the Florida Panhandle the following also apply:
- Wind warning: 1:00 p.m. CDT on Thursday. Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. For parts of northwest Florida.
- Flood warning: Until 7:15 a.m. CDT. Minor flooding in low-lying and poorly drained areas. In parts of northwest Florida, including Escambia County.
- Flood warning on the coast: Until 1:00 p.m. CDT. Flooding of properties, parks and roads is expected, with only isolated road closures expected. Breaking waves can sweep people off piers and docks into the dangerous sea. For Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
- Warning of high waves: Until 7:00 p.m. CDT. Hazardous breakers of 7 to 10 feet. For Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
- Rip stream instruction: Until Friday afternoon. Life-threatening bathing conditions and significant beach erosion are to be expected.
Radar for Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, including Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach, Florida
View the latest watches and warnings for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Weather watches and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. The map updates automatically as conditions change.
Follow the National Weather Service Mobile on Twitter.
Expecting rain? Check out the latest forecast for Pensacola
Stay informed. Receive weather alerts via SMS
What happens next?
We’ll continue to update our tropical weather coverage as conditions change. Download your local site’s app to make sure you’re always on top of the news. And look for our special subscription offers here.
