A Tornado Watch remains in effect for Northwest Florida, Southwest Alabama, and other parts of the northern Gulf Coast until 5 p.m. CDT Thursday. The watch was issued due to the severe weather threat associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur as the system moves inland across the region.
The Storm Prediction Center continues to place the area under a Slight Risk of severe weather, which is a Level 2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale, with 5 being the highest risk.
On this map, the yellow color shows which areas are under a level two out of five risk for severe weather. The green areas are a level one out of five.
The primary threats include damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rainfall. If individual tornadoes develop, Tornado Warnings will be issued for the specific areas impacted. During the morning hours Thursday, multiple Tornado Warnings were issued across portions of southern Mississippi as strong thunderstorms moved northeast across the state.
In addition to the severe weather threat, flooding remains a concern. A Flood Watch continues across the area through Friday afternoon as periods of heavy rain could lead to flash flooding. Residents are urged to monitor weather conditions closely and never drive through flooded roadways. Several more inches will be possible over already saturated grounds.
Dangerous beach conditions are also occurring along the northern Gulf Coast. A high risk of rip currents continues at area beaches, and beachgoers should use extreme caution if entering the water. When double red flags are flying, the Gulf waters are closed to swimming. While the beach itself remains open, entering the Gulf is prohibited due to the life-threatening surf and rip current conditions if double red flags fly.
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Rain chances will remain elevated through Friday and into Saturday with additional showers and thunderstorms expected. Conditions are forecast to improve by Sunday as drier air moves into the region. Sunday is expected to feature mostly sunny skies with only a small chance for an isolated afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
