Scattered showers and thunderstorms developed across the area with a few reports of trees down. In addition, a slow moving storm over Thomasville produced numerous reports of flash flooding.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS TAE wrote it up.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms developed across the area with a few reports of trees down. In addition, a slow moving storm over Thomasville produced numerous reports of flash flooding.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Tallahassee, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 15, 3:08 PM EST, 2 hours 12 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tallahassee FL 408 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 ...New NEAR TERM, SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, AVIATION, MARINE, FIRE WEATHER, HYDROLOGY... .NEAR TERM... (Through Tuesday) Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 Mid level high pressure overhead today is forecast to weaken a bit and push to our southeast overnight into Tuesday. At the same time, a weak frontal boundary that sagged into our area from the northeast today is forecast to stall before lifting back north tomorrow. Winds are forecast to become southwesterly by Tuesday late morning and afternoon. Another round of scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, with forecast soundings indicating gusty winds will be possible with the stronger storms. With the shifting of the mid level steering flow, storm motion on Tuesday should generally be more southwest to northeast. Low temperatures tonight are forecast in the mid 60s to low 70s, with high temperatures Tuesday in the mid to upper 80s. && .SHORT TERM... (Tuesday night through Wednesday night) Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 A weak frontal boundary sagging from the west in conjunction with modest height falls aloft maintains elevated rain chances in the forecast through mid-week. Peak activity is expected Wednesday afternoon when instability is greatest. The airmass should remain anomalously moist (1.6-1.8" Precipitable Water) fostered by deep- layer west to southwest flow with some cooling aloft supporting mid- level lapse rates around 6 C/km. These ingredients will make thunderstorms capable of gusty winds, heavy rain, frequent lightning, and small hail. Convection should gradually diminish after sunset.Aside from precipitation, very warm/muggy conditions are on tap for us with forecast highs in the mid to upper 80s and lows in the upper 60s to near 70. && .LONG TERM... (Thursday through Sunday) Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 Lingering upper troughing brings one more round of elevated rain chances Thursday afternoon. Weak ridging or zonal flow then builds across the region this weekend. This temporary pattern shift prompts a drier forecast into Monday. More typical summer-like diurnal showers and thunderstorms return Sunday and Monday. One caveat to the extended portion of the long-term forecast is that global ensembles re-introduce troughing to the eastern US, so if that solution holds, PoPs may need to be raised. Looking at temperatures, highs stay on the cooler side Thursday and Friday with widespread readings in the 80s. A warming trend then commences over the weekend as upper 80s to near 90 become more common. Overnight lows merely drop to the 60s. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 Scattered to widespread showers are expected this afternoon and evening before diminishing for the overnight hours. Low ceilings and fog will be possible at most sites overnight, with the best chances further west. Otherwise, VFR conditions are expected. && .MARINE... Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 Predominantly light west winds will make for favorable boating conditions the next few days. The only marine concerns are daily chances for the thunderstorms, especially along the seabreeze over or near the nearshore waters. Winds turn northeasterly heading into the weekend with seas around 2 feet and drier weather forecast. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 Scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected each afternoon. Wind shifts from the seabreeze and thunderstorm outflow boundaries will be possible area-wide during the afternoon and evening hours. Fair to generally good dispersions are expected with only moderate transport winds forecast. Fog will be possible across the region each morning near sunrise. There are no other fire weather concerns. && .HYDROLOGY... Issued at 403 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023 A wet pattern supported by an anomalously moist airmass over the next couple days will allow thunderstorms to be capable of producing heavy rain that may induce isolated instances of flooding. A Marginal Risk for Excessive Rainfall exists for the entire service area through tonight and then shifts to a line roughly along and northwest of Albany to Crestview tomorrow. Local CAMs guidance favors some localized pockets of heavy rain with some signals by the HREF exceeding 2-5 year ARI. Forecast amounts over the next 7 days are widespread 1-2" with a bullseye of up to 3"+ in the center of the Tri-state area. Meanwhile, all local rivers are currently in good shape, but we could see some rises later this week. && .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they occur (while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines) by calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Tallahassee 69 86 70 86 / 30 60 10 60 Panama City 71 84 72 82 / 30 30 20 40 Dothan 69 87 69 84 / 30 60 20 70 Albany 68 88 69 85 / 10 40 20 70 Valdosta 67 88 68 88 / 40 40 10 60 Cross City 66 88 70 86 / 40 20 10 30 Apalachicola 72 82 75 84 / 20 20 10 30 && .TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... FL...None. GA...None. AL...None. GM...None. && NEAR TERM...Merrifield SHORT TERM...IG3 LONG TERM....IG3 AVIATION...Merrifield MARINE...IG3 FIRE WEATHER...Merrifield HYDROLOGY...IG3
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
520 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023
FLZ011-GAZ155-152145-
Jackson FL-Seminole GA-
520 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Jackson
and central Seminole Counties through 545 PM EDT/445 PM CDT/...
At 520 PM EDT/420 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 9 miles northwest of Chattahoochee, or 14 miles south of
Donalsonville, moving southwest at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Sneads, Grand Ridge, Seminole State Park, Desser, Reynoldsville, Blue
Spring, Lovedale, Haynes, Drakes Still, Dellwood, Two Egg, Cypress,
Fairchild, Buena Vista and Lake Seminole.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3086 8477 3084 8477 3081 8479 3080 8479
3080 8480 3078 8481 3078 8483 3076 8486
3073 8487 3061 8499 3061 8503 3080 8520
3097 8486
TIME...MOT...LOC 2120Z 052DEG 13KT 3083 8492
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HanerPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TALLAHASSEE FL
533 PM EDT MON MAY 15 2023
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0525 PM HAIL 3 ENE ROUND LAKE 30.67N 85.34W
05/15/2023 E1.75 INCH JACKSON FL PUBLIC
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT OF GOLFBALL SIZED HAIL
NEAR ALFORD.
&&
HANERSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
437 PM CDT Mon May 15 2023
FLZ009>011-152230-
Holmes FL-Jackson FL-Washington FL-
437 PM CDT Mon May 15 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern
Jackson, eastern Holmes and northeastern Washington Counties through
530 PM CDT...
At 437 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northeast of Chipley, moving southwest at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Chipley, Graceville, Cottondale, Esto, Campbellton, Noma, Miller
Crossroads, Richter Crossroads, Jacob City, Chipley Municipal
Airport, Holmes County Airport, Bethlehem, Tendil Crossing, Holland
Crossroads, Ards Crossroads, Cobb Crossroads, Cottondale Airport,
Smith Crossroads, Jacobs and Browntown.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
&&
LAT...LON 3100 8541 3082 8530 3066 8559 3099 8578
TIME...MOT...LOC 2137Z 056DEG 8KT 3084 8544
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
73-YOUNGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
450 PM CDT Mon May 15 2023
FLZ009-152230-
Holmes FL-
450 PM CDT Mon May 15 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Holmes
County through 530 PM CDT...
At 450 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles southeast of Geneva, moving southwest at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Caryville, Black, Miller Crossroads, Cerrogordo, Ards Crossroads,
Bethlehem, Smith Crossroads, Prosperity, Izagora, Gritney and Baker
Settlement.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3085 8598 3099 8583 3100 8574 3097 8567
3077 8574 3078 8575 3079 8575 3079 8582
TIME...MOT...LOC 2150Z 026DEG 11KT 3093 8577
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
73-YOUNGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
558 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023
FLZ008>012-112-152230-
Coastal Bay FL-Central Walton FL-Holmes FL-Inland Bay FL-Jackson FL-
Washington FL-
558 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023
...Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of southwestern Jackson,
northeastern Bay, east central Walton, southern Holmes and Washington
Counties through 630 PM EDT/530 PM CDT/...
At 558 PM EDT/458 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Bonifay to 17 miles
southeast of Vernon. Movement was southwest at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Lynn Haven, Vernon, Bonifay, Chipley, Bradford, Live Oak, Ponce De
Leon, Caryville, Wausau, Westville, Whitehead Crossroads, College
Station, Holmes Valley, Millers Ferry, Bennett, Porter Lake,
Brannonville, Knox Hill, Douglass Crossroad and Orange Hill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3084 8566 3066 8540 3057 8535 3057 8538
3043 8539 3022 8559 3068 8612
TIME...MOT...LOC 2158Z 050DEG 19KT 3077 8574 3051 8544
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
HanerSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
558 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023
GAZ143-155-156-152245-
Miller GA-Decatur GA-Seminole GA-
558 PM EDT Mon May 15 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Decatur, south central Miller and northeastern Seminole Counties
through 645 PM EDT...
At 557 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles northwest of West Bainbridge, or 10 miles northwest of
Bainbridge, moving northwest at 10 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Donalsonville, Iron City, Brinson, Ausmac, Cyrene, Sharphagen,
Donaldsonville A/P, Davis Park, Lela, Eldorendo and Decatur Co A/P.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 3101 8460 3091 8468 3100 8491 3116 8479
TIME...MOT...LOC 2157Z 121DEG 10KT 3099 8471
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
73-YOUNGThe Ft Rucker radar (KEOX), 42 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:21 UTC.
10 flash flood, 3 thunderstorm wind, 1 flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A pine tree was blown down along with some roof damage and a broken flag pole in the Hilton area.
Power lines were blown down in Barwick at Clifford and Coffee Streets.
Flooding was reported on Smith Ave just west of the Highway 19 and Highway 84 exit. The outer lanes were flooded and blocked with traffic rerouted.
Trees were blown down on Rolling Hills Road.
Minor flooding was reported over a portion of Jackson Road north of Moultrie Highway.
Tuxedo Drive and Executive Drive were flooded.
S Hansell Street at S Broad Street was flooded.
Remington Ave at West Jackson Street near the railroad was flooded.
Neel Street was flooded between MLK Drive and West Jackson Street.
Smith Ave at Kern Street was flooded at the entrance to the Farmer's Market area.
Numerous road were flooded around Thomasville with a few vehicles stalled in the flood waters.
N Spair Street was flooded at E Monroe Street.
Highway 19 was flooded near Walgreens.
Water was flowing across Highway 111 near Dunn Road.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Georgia in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Georgia, May 2023
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1092858, 1092859, 1092861, 1092860, 1092862, 1092863, 1092864, 1092865, 1092866, 1092867, 1092868, 1092869, 1092870, 1092871.