Severe Weather Threatens Tallahassee With Tornadoes and Damaging Winds

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida capital braced for severe weather early Sunday as a powerful storm system swept across the Midwest and South, leaving devastation in its wake. A tornado watch was issued until 10 a.m. for parts of the Big Bend region and south Georgia due to the potential for tornadoes and damaging winds.

The National Weather Service stated that the storm system struggled initially but organized into a squall line that threatened to bring dangerous winds and tornadoes. Heavy rain, lightning, and thunder began before sunrise in Tallahassee as the line of storms approached.

As the sun rose, the capital city reported only minor power outages, with about 300 customers affected. However, nearby Mitchell County, Georgia, faced significant damage from likely tornadoes. As of Saturday, at least 30 people were reported dead in multiple states, including Arkansas and Missouri, where an EF-3 tornado with winds peaking at 140 mph struck.

In response to the ongoing threat, the National Weather Service overnight extended severe thunderstorm warnings for several counties, including Leon and Gadsden, predicting potential wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail.

“This storm system has the potential for strong tornadoes and damaging winds,” said Meteorologist Lance Frank of NWS Tallahassee. “We remain under an enhanced risk of severe weather.” He advised residents to remain cautious as conditions evolve.

The storm line was expected to reach the Tallahassee area between 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m., and while the squall line had previously shown signs of weakening, forecasters warned it could still gain strength as it moved eastward.

Leon County Emergency Management issued a safety alert, advising mobile home residents to seek sturdier shelter as severe weather approached. “If you are in a mobile home, it is NOT safe. Seek alternative shelter immediately,” the alert stated.

The National Weather Service also recommended that residents prepare for tornadoes by keeping multiple methods to receive weather alerts and avoiding windows if a warning is issued.

The perilous weather follows a series of tornadoes and severe storms that wreaked havoc across the southern U.S. on Friday and Saturday. In Missouri alone, at least ten storm-related fatalities were reported, alongside injuries and property damage.

In addition, adverse weather conditions also contributed to deadly dust storms in Texas, leading to multiple vehicle collisions on highways.

During the event, many local churches opted to cancel or delay Sunday services as the severe weather continued to develop.

The toll on infrastructure was evident, with reports of downed trees and power lines across multiple states, echoing the risks that remain imminent as the storm continues its eastward path. Residents are urged to stay informed through local news and emergency alerts as conditions change.