News Summary
Tallahassee is bracing for severe thunderstorms this afternoon as a warning has been issued. With storms expected around 2:00 p.m., heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible hail are anticipated. Local schools have made adjustments, and some areas are already reporting power outages. Residents are urged to stay informed and prioritize safety as conditions may worsen with wind gusts expected to reach up to 60 mph. The storm system is projected to leave the area by 8-9 p.m., allowing for a peaceful evening.
Tallahassee Faces Severe Thunderstorm Warning as Storms Approach
Residents of Tallahassee and nearby areas are gearing up for a rough afternoon as a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued, signaling the arrival of strong storms. These storms are expected to roll in around 2:00 p.m. today, bringing with them heavy rain, gusty winds, and possibly even hail!
School Updates and Early Dismissals
In light of the impending severe weather, some schools have started to make necessary adjustments. The Leon County Middle School is set to dismiss its students at 4:30 p.m., a little later than usual. Meanwhile, the Jefferson County School District has opted for an earlier dismissal, sending K-12 students home by 2 p.m. To stay updated, parents and guardians are encouraged to check local channels for the latest news on school schedules.
Power Outages and Community Impact
Unfortunately, the storm is already causing some disruptions. Approximately 100 customers in Tallahassee are currently without power. Things are a bit more challenging for residents in the Chaires area, where around 1,000 customers are affected. The strong winds have even led to some hazardous situations; reports indicate that a tree has fallen on a house in Bradfordville, while Killearn Estates has trees down near Pimlico Drive and Jamaica Court. Additionally, several trees are down near the intersection of Tram Road and Saint Joe Road, further complicating travel.
What’s Expected This Afternoon?
As the storms approach, residents can expect rain and thunder to last until around 5 p.m. with a severe thunderstorm watch remaining in effect until 6 p.m.. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph were recorded around 3:35 p.m., and those in the warning area could see gusts reach up to 60 mph. There’s even a chance of pea-sized hail making an appearance!
Safety Precautions and Local Alerts
Community members are urged to remain vigilant and keep informed through local alerts. If you’re outdoors, it’s wise to head indoors as the Storm Prediction Center has listed a slight risk of severe weather, warning about potential damaging winds, hail, and even isolated tornadoes. The Florida State University Alert system has recommended students to seek shelter immediately.
Travel Considerations During Peak Rush Hour
With storms hitting during the busy afternoon rush hour, travelers should prepare for potential delays and disruptions. Whether you’re heading home from work or picking up the kids, it’s a good idea to stay alert and plan accordingly to avoid storm-related hiccups.
When Will It All Pass?
The good news is that the storm system is expected to move out of the area by 8-9 p.m. tonight, making way for a quieter evening after all the thunder and lightning. Still, it’s crucial for everyone to be prepared and prioritize safety as severe weather impacts the region.
Stay safe, Tallahassee, and keep an eye on the skies as Mother Nature puts on a show this afternoon!
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Democrat: Enhanced Severe Weather Risk
- WTXL: Severe Threat Impacts
- Tallahassee Democrat: Severe Weather Possible
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- Google Search: Tallahassee Weather Updates
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
