A high impact severe weather event impacted the tri-state region on January 9th with supercells producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts, followed by a major squall line with widespread wind damage and additional tornadoes. Preceding this activity, very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 40-60 mph occurred, with even a gust to 70 mph at the Albany airport.
Every event with a place to put it; 5 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. 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.
A high impact severe weather event impacted the tri-state region on January 9th with supercells producing tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts, followed by a major squall line with widespread wind damage and additional tornadoes. Preceding this activity, very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 40-60 mph occurred, with even a gust to 70 mph at the Albany airport. There were 14 tornadoes confirmed across the tri-state region, including 3 EF0s, 5 EF1s, 5 EF2s, and 1 EF3. This activity was driven by a deepening area of low pressure west of the region with a record strong low level jet crossing the region. The winds at 850 mb were in in the 65-80 knot range, and sufficient instability existed to support mixing some of these very strong environmental winds to the surface.
Two significant tornadoes touched down in Bay county, including 1 EF3 and 1 EF2. These two tornadoes in Bay county resulted in damage to 326 buildings for a total market value loss of $20,350,311. There were 234 single family homes damaged, 46 mobile homes damaged, 22 condos damaged, 2 multi-family homes damaged, and 22 commercial buildings damaged. Of these 326 buildings, 113 sustained 5% damage, 86 sustained 15% damage, 2 sustained 20% damage, 29 sustained 30% damage, 17 sustained 35% damage, 28 sustained 45% damage, and 51 sustained 100% damage.
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 Jan 8, 10:54 PM EST, 1 hour 6 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
1054 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
...New MESOSCALE UPDATE, MARINE, HYDROLOGY...
.MESOSCALE UPDATE FOR A POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT SEVERE WEATHER
EVENT OVERNIGHT THROUGH TUESDAY...
Issued at 1021 PM EST Mon Jan 82024
Late-evening GOES 1-min satellite imagery shows a deepening
surface low over LA strongly forced by its parent upper low
evident near the ArkLaTex region. Immediately ahead of this
feature is an extensive area of robust convection spreading into
the MS Valley. To its south is a warm front nearing the East-
Central Gulf Coast with a trailing cold front stretching along
coastal TX. A tight pressure gradient is contributing to a potent
southerly LLJ up to around 60 kts, per latest SPC mesoanalysis.
Such an intense wind field is allowing for very robust inland
moisture advection off the Gulf, which will steadily juice up the
airmass for severe thunderstorms. Latest hi-res guidance such as
the RAP shows a tongue of MLCAPE of 500-1500 J/kg translating east
towards the the western FL Panhandle and southern AL overnight.
That amount of instability overlapping a highly sheared
environment spells trouble.
Radar shows a squall line taking shape north of New Orleans and
widely scattered showers & thunderstorms downstream of it. Much of
this activity is poised to consolidate into a more potent QLCS
while moving eastward overnight. We will have to closely monitor
discrete to semi-discrete cells ahead of the line for rotation, as
some are likely to acquire supercell characteristics and pose a
nocturnal tornado threat. For these reasons, in coordination with
SPC, a Tornado Watch was issued through 12Z for our SE AL and the
FL Panhandle counties. Strong tornadoes are possible, so please
ensure you have a way to be awoken by any warnings issued.
Elsewhere expect mostly rain showers with some embedded thunder,
though winds are expected to start really picking up after
midnight. A 6Z balloon launch is forthcoming to sample the
atmosphere.
&&
.SYNOPSIS...
Issued at 355 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
A significant weather event is still expected tonight into Tuesday
across the area with multiple hazards. Key Messages below:
1. Strong to severe storms will begin late tonight in the form of
isolated supercells, followed by an intense squall line during the
day Tuesday. Damaging to destructive winds, tornadoes (some strong),
and hail are all possible threats.
2. Heavy rainfall is also expected with this system tonight and
Tuesday. Some flooding is possible, as well as rises to near flood
stage on some area rivers.
3. Very strong non-thunderstorm gradient winds are expected with
this system. Wind gusts of 40-55 mph are possible across the area on
Tuesday. Given wet soils, this could result in trees falling more
easily. Even higher wind gusts approaching 60 mph are expected along
the coast from Wakulla county westward to Walton County.
4. Extremely dangerous beach and boating conditions are expected.
Gales and storm-force wind gusts are expected tonight and Tuesday.
Very high surf and deadly rip currents are expected.
5. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected on Tuesday, most
likely along the shores of Apalachee Bay.
&&
.NEAR TERM...
(Through Tuesday)
Issued at 355 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
Overall, there is little change to the previous forecast.
A high-impact weather event will affect the region tonight and
Tuesday. Multiple hazards are expected, including a significant
outbreak of severe thunderstorms. Stay weather aware over the next
24 hours.
A deepening low pressure center will turn northeast across the Mid-
Mississippi Valley tonight. A large field of intense pressure
gradients and wind will engulf the trailing cold front, which will
quickly sweep east across our region on Tuesday.
In advance of the front, an extremely strong 65-80 knot southerly
low-level jet will develop tonight to our west, then translate east
across the area during the course of Tuesday morning. Strong,
damaging gradient winds are expected by late tonight into Tuesday,
with inland wind gusts around 50 mph. Along the beaches gusts of 55
to 60 mph are forecast.
The low-level jet will push a warm front northward this evening,
leading a rapid influx of maritime tropical air, with surface
temperatures and dewpoints rising during the night. The air mass
will become weakly to moderately unstable, which is bad news in
light of extreme kinematics. With the warm sector late tonight,
discrete supercells could move in from the Gulf across the
Panhandle, possibly reaching southeast Alabama. Any of these
discrete supercells could produce a strong tornado, particularly
where the air mass is most unstable and least inhibited at the
coast.
Then the cold front will blast through during the day on Tuesday,
accompanied by a solid squall line that could bring widespread
severe convective wind gusts. A few embedded tornadoes will likely
accompany the line, and these could also be strong. The latest SPC
outlook maintains the Enhanced Risk area (Level 3 of 5) over our
entire area. The squall line should exit east of I-75 and east of
the Suwannee during the late afternoon.
&&
.SHORT TERM...
(Tuesday night through Friday night)
Issued at 355 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
In the wake of the squall line, improving weather Tuesday night,
with breezy conditions as west winds gust around 20 mph. A dry
period of weather with light winds is expected on Wednesday and
Thursday for any post storm clean-up efforts. A couple of chilly
nights are on tap with lows ranging from the low 30s northwest
to low 40s southeast on both Tuesday and Wednesday nights, which
is a concern for those that may be without power due to Tuesday's
severe weather. The wind chill/apparent temps Tuesday night will
make it feel like the mid 20s northwest to mid 30s southeast.
The next system takes aim at the region on Friday, with increasing
clouds in advance expected on Thursday. SPC already has much of
the region in a day 5 (Friday) 15% probability for severe weather,
which is equivalent to a slight risk in the day 1-3 time frame.
Mid-level shortwave is modeled to go negatively tilted as it swings
through the TN Valley, placing the strongest forcing for ascent
northwest of the region. The wind field may be more unidirectional,
but strong nonetheless, with deep layer bulk shear approaching
70 kts and a low-level jet over 50 knots. This will be more than
sufficient to advect a warm and unstable air mass northward, with
ensemble mean CAPE around 500 J/kg. This supports the potential
for another severe weather event with damaging winds and a risk of
tornadoes centered on Friday.
&&
.LONG TERM...
(Saturday through Monday)
Issued at 355 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
In the wake of Friday's storm system, cyclonic flow aloft pulls
away from the region on Saturday, with zonal flow through early
next week. No major impactful weather expected at this time.
&&
.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 648 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
Gusty winds, low cigs, and LLWS remain the primary concerns
tonight. Thunder is kept at ECP/DHN given evening radar trends
showing elevated convection. The main update to the 0Z TAF cycle
was introducing TEMPO groups of +TSRA at all terminals for the
severe squall line plowing thru the region tmrw. Latest HRRR
narrows down timing: 13-15Z ECP/DHN, 14-16Z TLH/ABY, and 16-18Z
VLD. Gusts of 45+ kts are likely. Improving wx from W-to-E in the
line's wake, but gusty winds linger.
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 1021 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
The Orange Beach Buoy (42012) was reporting sustained SE winds of
25 kts with gusts near gale force and 11-ft seas late this
evening while Buoy 42036 was reporting similar conditions.
From the CWF Synopsis...A very deep low pressure center will
continue crossing the Mid- Mississippi Valley late tonight, and a
trailing cold front and pre-frontal convection will cross the
northeast Gulf waters on Tuesday. Conditions deteriorate further
as the pressure gradient tightens more, culminating in frequent
storm- force gusts in the southerlies preceding the front.
Westerly gales will kick in behind the front, lasting into early
Tuesday night. In addition, a squall line of severe thunderstorms
with tornadic waterspouts will cross the waters on Tuesday.
Conditions will gradually improve on Wednesday, and a high
pressure center will quickly pass across the waters on Wednesday
night. Southeast breezes will freshen in advance of the next storm
system on Thursday and especially Friday, with a period of gale-
force wind gusts possible.
&&
.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 355 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
Heavy wetting rains are expected tonight through Tuesday as a
strong storm system moves through the region. In particular, a
line of severe thunderstorms is expected to sweep through the
entire region on Tuesday from the early morning into the early
afternoon with the potential for large hail, several tornadoes,
and wind gusts up to 80 mph. Ahead of this line, a period of
strong winds is expected with wind gusts around 40 to 50 mph
inland and 50 to 60 mph closer to the coast. Looking ahead, dry
weather is forecast on Wednesday and Thursday, with a potential
for low dispersions on Thursday across much of the region.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 1021 PM EST Mon Jan 8 2024
River forecast evening update: A Flood Warning is now in effect
for the Choctawhatchee River - Newton, which is now forecast to
reach minor flood stage Tuesday afternoon, then crest by
Wednesday morning. The Pea River - Ariton is also forecast to
minor flood stage, but given that significant rainfall has not
occurred yet and that the stage change is just outside of 24 hrs,
we decided to hold off on issuing a warning and wait more cycle.
An incredible synoptic setup with a very dynamic system is expected
to begin impacting the region this evening through Tuesday.
Overall, rainfall amounts have increased slightly in the western
half of the region, owing to an initial widespread stratiform rain
event, then turning convective prior to the arrival of a squall
line. As a result, this is why rainfall amounts mainly west of the
ACF basin have trended upward. Fortunately, this area has received
less rainfall than other portions of our forecast area, so while 3-6
inches of rain does present a localized flash flood threat and will
lead to noteworthy rises on the Choc/Pea system in South Alabama, a
significant flash flood threat does not appear likely, thus no flood
watch is needed.
The squall line will deliver a very quick 1-2 inches, but its fast
progression will limit any flash flood concerns, even in the eastern
portions of the forecast area that are much more saturated. Even so,
we'll still see modest rises on our mainstem rivers.
So while riverine and flash flood impacts are minor, the more
pressing concern is the coastal flood impacts. While timing of the
onshore winds is important, the magnitude and duration of the winds
combined with attendant winds from the squall line set up a scenario
where moderate flooding is likely in Apalachee Bay, especially east
of Carrabelle. It's east of Carrabelle where the synoptic scale
winds of 40-50 mph with higher gusts will pile water into the bay
ahead of the squall line. Even if the squall line arrives around
16z, 2 hours prior to high tide, the additional influence of the
squall line will push water levels to warning criteria from
Carrabelle eastward. Unfortunately, the squall line timing and
environmental winds are forecast to peak as they near the
Taylor/Dixie County coast around 18z, which is when high tide
occurs. Both deterministic and ensemble guidance suggest at least 2-
4 feet AGL with isolated pockets of inundation as much as 5 feet.
While this is on the high side of the guidance, the environmental
winds are well beyond 90th percentile, so favoring the higher end
guidance seems appropriate here.
Thus a coastal flood warning was issued for Franklin County
eastward. A coastal flood advisory was issued for the Panhandle
counties to account for the strong winds leading to minor flooding
there.
We'll watch the next system on Friday for additional rains and see
how it will undoubtedly impact our river systems into the coming
weekend.
&&
.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation is requested. Spotters should safely report
significant weather conditions and/or damage by calling the
office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee 54 68 38 56 / 90 100 10 0
Panama City 56 66 40 55 / 90 100 0 0
Dothan 51 64 34 52 / 100 100 0 0
Albany 53 66 36 52 / 100 100 10 0
Valdosta 55 70 38 54 / 90 100 20 0
Cross City 59 72 42 58 / 40 100 40 0
Apalachicola 60 67 42 56 / 80 100 0 0
&&
.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Wind Advisory until noon CST Tuesday for FLZ007>010.
Wind Advisory until 5 PM EST /4 PM CST/ Tuesday for FLZ011>017-
026-027-118.
Wind Advisory from 4 AM to 5 PM EST Tuesday for FLZ018-019-028-
029-034.
High Rip Current Risk through late Wednesday night for FLZ108-
112-114-115.
High Wind Warning until 1 PM EST /noon CST/ Tuesday for FLZ108-
112-114-115-127.
High Surf Warning until 11 AM EST /10 AM CST/ Wednesday for
FLZ108-112-114.
Coastal Flood Advisory until 1 AM EST /midnight CST/ Wednesday
for FLZ108-112-114.
High Surf Advisory until 10 PM EST Tuesday for FLZ115.
Coastal Flood Warning from 7 AM Tuesday to 1 AM EST Wednesday
for FLZ115-118-127.
Wind Advisory until midnight EST Tuesday night for FLZ128-134.
Coastal Flood Warning from 7 AM Tuesday to 7 AM EST Wednesday
for FLZ128-134.
GA...Wind Advisory until 1 PM EST Tuesday for GAZ120.
Wind Advisory until 5 PM EST Tuesday for GAZ121>131-142>146-
155>158.
Wind Advisory from 4 AM to 5 PM EST Tuesday for GAZ147-148-
159>161.
AL...Wind Advisory until noon CST Tuesday for ALZ065>069.
GM...Gale Warning until midnight EST Tuesday night for GMZ730-765.
Storm Warning until 1 PM EST /noon CST/ Tuesday for GMZ750-752-
755-770-772-775.
&&
MESOSCALE UPDATE...IG3
NEAR TERM...DVD
SHORT TERM...LF
LONG TERM....LF
AVIATION...IG3
MARINE...LF/IG3
FIRE WEATHER...LF
HYDROLOGY...Godsey/IG3The Eglin Afb radar (KEVX), 25 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:28 UTC.
118 thunderstorm wind, 15 tornado, 6 hail, 5 high wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 50-60 mph well ahead of a squall line impacted coastal areas of the Florida panhandle eastward to coastal Wakulla county with downed trees and power lines.
Very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 50-60 mph well ahead of a squall line impacted coastal areas of the Florida panhandle eastward to coastal Wakulla county with downed trees and power lines.
Very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 50-60 mph well ahead of a squall line impacted coastal areas of the Florida panhandle eastward to coastal Wakulla county with downed trees and power lines.
Very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 50-60 mph well ahead of a squall line impacted coastal areas of the Florida panhandle eastward to coastal Wakulla county with downed trees and power lines.
Very strong non-thunderstorm wind gusts of 50-60 mph well ahead of a squall line impacted coastal areas of the Florida panhandle eastward to coastal Wakulla county with downed trees and power lines.
The Ed Walline Beach Access WeatherSTEM measured a wind gust of 106 mph.
The tornado initially moved onshore with damage to trees and buildings at the intersection of W County Highway 30A and Laura Hamilton Blvd consistent with an EF-1 rating. It would then proceed to continue moving off to the northeast sporadically damaging trees and roofs of houses across the area. The tornado would then cross through a majority wooded area before crossing US Highway 98 before entering the woods once again. A high concentration of damage to homes and trees consistent with an EF-1 rating was found off of Chat Holly Rd. before the tornado crossed Choctawhatchee Bay. Max winds were estimated near 110 mph. The tornado would then parallel US Highway 331 as it crossed the bay before making landfall once again at Bay Grove Rd. where numerous manufactured homes were damaged along with tree damage consistent with an EF-1 rating. EF-1 damage had been observed leading up to US 331 where the tornado appears to have dissipated. Thanks to Walton County Emergency Management for assistance with this damage survey.
An Ambient station gusted to 60 mph.
A tornado, associated with the same cell which produced a tornado in southern Walton County, touched down south of Rock Hill Road. A large concentration of tree damage and damage to a manufactured home were then observed off Rock Hill Rd. consistent with an EF-1 rating with max winds estimated at 95 mph. The tornado continued north and dissipated in a wooded area. Additional tree damage just to the east of the track along Rock Hill road may have been associated with very strong rear flank downdraft winds associated with this cell. Thanks to Walton County Emergency Management for assistance with this damage survey.
The public estimated wind gusts of 65 mph with damage to a fence and trees.
A tornado touched down along R.M. Ward Road in western Holmes County. The tornado knocked down numerous trees, which caused damage to several structures, including one home and at least one vehicle. The tornado continued northeast before dissipating in a heavily wooded area northeast of Jessie Hall Lane. Damage was consistent with an EF0 tornado with max winds estimated around 80 mph. Thanks to Holmes County Emergency Management for assistance with this survey.
The WJHG TV station reported 1.25 inch hail at the station.
A satellite vortex tornado of parent EF3 tornado just to the west made landfall at the western edge of St. Andrews State Park. Only very minor damage to a few tree limbs and an antenna were reported by park management. The tornado was confirmed via videos|on social media. Damage was consistent with an EF0 tornado with max winds estimated at 70 mph.
A tornado moved onshore Panama City Beach in the Lower Grand Lagoon area along Spyglass Drive. Significant damage occurred to several homes, including the complete destruction of one beachfront home. The damage at this location was determined to|support an EF-3 rating with max winds estimated at 140 mph. Significant damage to homes and businesses continued as the tornado moved northeast across and along Thomas Drive where two apartment building were heavily damaged. EF-3 damage was again noted at a large boat storage facility which suffered significant structural failure. The tornado continued northeastward across Grand Lagoon and through the Bay Point Golf Club, causing additional damage to homes, before crossing Saint Andrew Bay. The damage in Panama City, after crossing the bay was more sporadic and less intense, supportive of EF-1 intensity. The tornado appears to have dissipated shortly after crossing West 23rd Street. Thanks to Bay County Emergency Management for assistance with the damage survey.
An Ambient station measured a wind gust of 68 mph.
The Gulf Coast State College WeatherSTEM gusted to 80 mph.
The same supercell that spawned the Grand Lagoon tornado dropped another in Lynn Haven where some trees were snapped and one home had some minor roof damage. The tornado then traveled northeast across the eastern portion of North Bay before causing damage in the Resota Beach area on the west shore of Deer Point Lake, destroying one double-wide manufactured home and significantly damaging another. The most significant damage in this area was to a single family home on Joanna Lane where large sections of the roof were removed and the garage was destroyed. This was consistent with EF-2 damage. After crossing Deer Point Lake, the tornado tracked through the Bay Head neighborhood where it caused the most extensive damage. One manufactured home on Magnolia Avenue was ripped from its moorings and tossed against the tree line at the back of the property. Fortunately, the two people inside suffered only minor injuries. A single family home at the intersection of Magnolia and Seminole St. had a large portion of its roof removed. Similar damage occurred to a home on Palm Avenue where substantial tree damage also occurred. Four homes in the vicinity of Cherokee St. and Deerwood Avenue sustained similar damage. A brick home on Sunshine Drive not only had about half of its roof removed, but also saw collapse of walls on one corner of the house. All of these homes mentioned thus far in Bay Head suffered EF-2 damage, but this last one was the most severely damaged with winds estimated at 130 mph. As the tornado continued northeast, additional roof damage to homes occurred on Indian Bluff Drive, Indian Bluff Road, Piza Circle, and Miller Circle. On CR 2301 near Vickery Lane, one mobile home was shifted off its support blocks with a third of the structure destroyed. Damage northeast of this point became more sporadic and mainly to trees. The tornado appeared to lift as it crossed Mocassin Creek.
An Ambient station gusted to 63 mph.
This tornado touched down in far northeast Bay county, travelled through far northwest Calhoun county, and ended in Jackson county. The Bay county portion of the tornado is rated EF0. The Calhoun and Jackson county portions of the tornado are rated EF1 with max winds estimated at 90 mph. The tornado began in northeastern Bay county where it touched down in a wooded area between US 231 and NW County road 274 snapping several trees. Multiple trees along NW County road 167 were snapped or uprooted. The track continued to the northeast into Jackson county where it crossed through forested land before crossing Freeman Road. The tornado continued through another wooded area before moving parallel with Grand Mesa Avenue where several trees were uprooted or snapped. The tornado then continued through another wooded area before crossing Varsey Lane where it damaged some small outbuilding sheds as well as snapped a few trees. The tornado continued to track parallel to Varsey Lane to the northeast before snapping tree tops along its path before lifting just beyond Celestial Lane in another wooded area. The tornado reached its maximum width of approximately 450 yards as well as its maximum intensity as it crossed NW county road 167 with the most widespread tree damage observed at this point.
Trees were blown down.
This tornado touched down in far northeast Bay county, travelled through far northwest Calhoun county, and ended in Jackson county. The Bay county portion of the tornado is rated EF0. The Calhoun and Jackson county portions of the tornado are rated EF1 with max winds estimated at 90 mph. The tornado began in northeastern Bay county where it touched down in a wooded area between US 231 and NW County road 274 snapping several trees. Multiple trees along NW County road 167 were snapped or uprooted. The track continued to the northeast into Jackson county where it crossed through forested land before crossing Freeman Road. The tornado continued through another wooded area before moving parallel with Grand Mesa Avenue where several trees were uprooted or snapped. The tornado then continued through another wooded area before crossing Varsey Lane where it damaged some small outbuilding sheds as well as snapped a few trees. The tornado continued to track parallel to Varsey Lane to the northeast before snapping tree tops along its path before lifting just beyond Celestial Lane in another wooded area. The tornado reached its maximum width of approximately 450 yards as well as its maximum intensity as it crossed NW county road 167 with the most widespread tree damage observed at this point.
This tornado touched down in far northeast Bay county, travelled through far northwest Calhoun county, and ended in Jackson county. The Bay county portion of the tornado is rated EF0. The Calhoun and Jackson county portions of the tornado are rated EF1 with max winds estimated at 90 mph. The tornado began in northeastern Bay county where it touched down in a wooded area between US 231 and NW County road 274 snapping several trees. Multiple trees along NW County road 167 were snapped or uprooted. The track continued to the northeast into Jackson county where it crossed through forested land before crossing Freeman Road. The tornado continued through another wooded area before moving parallel with Grand Mesa Avenue where several trees were uprooted or snapped. The tornado then continued through another wooded area before crossing Varsey Lane where it damaged some small outbuilding sheds as well as snapped a few trees. The tornado continued to track parallel to Varsey Lane to the northeast before snapping tree tops along its path before lifting just beyond Celestial Lane in another wooded area. The tornado reached its maximum width of approximately 450 yards as well as its maximum intensity as it crossed NW county road 167 with the most widespread tree damage observed at this point.
The tornado began in an open field that paralleled highway 73 in central Jackson county. The tornado continued to the northeast before crossing Pandora road where it uprooted a couple large pine trees, one of which fell on an older single wide trailer, which was completely destroyed. Another slightly newer single wide trailer had half of its roof peeled back and blown into the woods behind it to the northeast. The tornado continued to the northeast where it crossed Magnolia road. Several trees were uprooted and snapped along the road. A brand new manufactured home had half of its roof blown off. A trailer park along Mark lane had several large trees snapped or uprooted, and a few roofs were peeled back on some of the single wide homes in the subdivision. The tornado then went on to cross I-10 where an 18 wheeler was knocked over. After crossing I-10, the tornado paralleled Spring Creek road where it snapped and uprooted several large hardwood trees as well as peeled back part of the roof of a shed. The tornado continued to the northeast where it crossed U.S. Highway 90 where a majority of the damage and seven injuries occurred in an RV Park and neighborhood. Several mobile homes where significantly damaged or flipped upside down while being displaced several hundred feet. Several large pine trees where snapped at the base as well. In the subdivision just to the northeast of the RV Park on Rooks Drive, two residential family homes had their roofs completely blown off. A church just across the street from the homes off Merritts Mill road had a cinder block outbuilding collapse. The church building sustained some damage to the gable. The tornado continued to the northeast where several homes off of Janette Drive had partial roof damage as well as sporadic tree damage. The tornado continued to the northeast again through a wooded area before moving through Blue Spring subdivision where extensive damage was observed to the roofs and siding of a majority of the homes. Two homes off of Spring Chase Lane had their roofs blown off along with several large mature hardwoods being snapped at their base. The tornado reached its maximum intensity and width through this stretch just beyond U.S. Highway 90. The maximum width is estimated to be around 600 yards. From the Blue Springs Road subdivision, the tornado continued to the northeast parallel to Blue Springs Road where it snapped and uprooted several trees. The tornado continued along Blue Springs road where it damaged the roofs of several single wide manufactured homes. The tornado continued to the northeast where it collapsed the roof of another church outbuilding along Polar Springs road while also uprooting and snapping several trees on the church property. The tornado crossed Fort road to the northeast of the church where several trees were snapped and uprooted before continuing through a wooded area. The tornado crossed Wintergreen road where a few trees were uprooted along the road, before it dissipated over the field to the northeast of the road. The tornado was rated EF2 with max winds estimated at 125 mph.
A tree was blown down onto Highway 285.
A wood fence blew over.
Two large trees blew down.
A privacy fence was blown over.
A fence was damaged due to strong winds.
Two trees blew down.
A tree was blown down onto Coy Burgess Loop.
A barn was damaged in western De Funiak Springs.
A brief tornado touched down at the Defuniak Springs airport, damaging two hangars before crossing U.S. 90. The tornado then damaged the roof of a business, as well as numerous trees in the surrounding area. The damage at the airport and the business was consistent with an EF-1 tornado. Thanks to Walton County Emergency Management for assistance with this damage survey.
A large tree blew down along Highway 83.
A tree blew down and a storage roof was damaged.
Trees were blown down along Highway 185 and Highway 2.
Trees were blown down along Highway 181C.
Trees were blown down along Highway 162.
Trees were blown down along Mt Zion Road.
Trees were blown down along Valee Road.
Trees were blown down along Oak Grove Church Road.
Trees were blown down along Highway 181 near Red Road.
Power lines were blown down at 3465 River Road.
Numerous trees and power lines blew down in the Gritney area.
A tree was blown down onto Shakey Joe Road.
Trees were blown down onto power lines at Parrish Steel Road and Azalea Lane.
A tree was blown down onto Lake Circle.
A power line was hanging 6 feet above the road at Highway 179 at Grace Fellowship Church.
A power line was down across the road at Bryant Bay.
A tree was blown down onto power lines at Douglas Ferry and Brock Road.
A tree was blown down at 3322 Pate Pond Road.
Trees were blown down along JW Miller Road.
Trees were blown down on Bethel Road.
Trees were blown down on Walton Road near Holmes Valley Road.
Multiple trees blew down at Chain Lake Road and Carter Circle.
Trees were blown down on Sandpath Road just past the back entrance to the schools.
A tree was blown down in front of 403 North Tracy along with power lines blocking the road.
Power lines were blown down on Hubbard Street.
Trees were blown down along Adolph Whitaker Road at the intersection of Hoovers Mill Road and Malcom Taylor Road.
Wind damage occurred to a barn, gazebo, carport, and a large wooden playground. In addition, a tree blew down.
A tree was blown down at 3232 Moss Hill Road.
Trees were blown down at Douglas Ferry Road and Bonnor Road.
A tree was blown down onto Byrd Ave near Weeks Street.
A tree was blown down on Douglas Ferry Road near the Holmes Creek Bridge.
A tree was blown down on I-10 near MM 116 eastbound, and it blocked the right lane.
Trees were blown down along Steverson Road.
A tree was blown down on Pioneer Road near Bonnett Pond Road.
Multiple power lines were blown down with minor structural damage at 1995 Ambassador Ct.
A tree was blown down at Pioneer Road and Hard Labor Road.
A power line was blown down at 1945 Cane Mill Road.
A tree fell onto a power line near Bozeman.
Trees were blown down onto Duncan Community Road.
A tree was blown down onto Tiller Road.
A tree was blown down at 2592 Oid Road.
A tree was blown down with power lines at 1497 Earl Gilbert Road.
This tornado started in Jackson county and continued into Houston county. The Jackson county portion of the tornado is rated as an EF1. The Houston county portion of the tornado is rated EF2 with max winds estimated at 130 mph. This tornado touched down in a swampy area, just east of Holmes Creek in northwest Jackson County. The tornado initially uprooted and snapped several softwood and hardwood trees, along Hickshill Road and in addition, it damaged an outbuilding there. The tornado continued northeast, damaging more hardwood and softwood trees along Piano Road. The first structure to be impacted by this tornado was a double-wide manufactured home on the northern side of Piano Road. Additional softwood and hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted along Danford Bay Road. Tree damage continued along Orchid Road, Damascus Church Road and Layton Road as the tornado continued to progress northeastward. An outbuilding was damaged along Orchid Road, and a single-family home suffered significant roof damage along Layton Road. The tornado then destroyed two ninety foot, seventy-year-old concrete silos. Damage was found along the entire length of Everett Road which was composed of the snapping and uprooting of trees, along with damage to an outbuilding and a mobile home succumbing to window damage. More trees were damaged along Heislar Road and Peanut Road as the tornado continued its northeastward trek. A single-family home on Peanut Road suffered significant roof damage. When the tornado reached Shiloh Church Loop, a single-family home suffered significant roof damage. The tornado continued to move northeast across Highway 2 where more softwood and hardwood trees were uprooted and snapped. Most of the damage to this point is classified as EF-1. Before the tornado crossed into Alabama, it damaged the roof of a small business on US-231. After crossing into Houston County Alabama, the tornado produced a continuous swath of damage on either side of State Line Road all the way towards the city of Cottonwood. This is also consistent of EF-1 damage. The first instance of EF-2 damage was when the tornado approached Cottonwood proper, along Ramer Loop rolling a single-wide mobile home, destroying it, despite it being well strapped. As the tornado moved through downtown Cottonwood, numerous small businesses sustained damage, ranging from blown out windows, roof damage and in one case the failure of the front-facing brick facade. Additional EF-2 damage occurred when the tornado removed the entire roof of a large two-story home. The tornado continued its northeastward jog, leaving Cottonwood proper, and commenced to destroy a two-story Moose Lodge that was composed of cinder-blocks resulting in another instance of EF-2 damage. The most significant tree damage noted on this survey occurred when the tornado paralleled Dyers Road, thus snapping numerous hardwood and softwood trees. The most significant damage along this northeastward path occurred on September Road where a double-wide home was completely destroyed, and resulted in one fatality. As the tornado continued to move northeast to across Whitaker Road and Creek Church Road, EF-1 tree damage was noted. The tornado caused mainly EF-0 damage to softwood and hardwood trees along Green Frog Road and Ed Tolar Road. One last structural damage occurred to a single-family home where it caused significant roof damage before lifting near the Chattahoochee River. In summary, while most damage was EF-1, there were instances of EF-2 damage with the max wind of 130 mph. In addition to the one fatality, there were also ten direct injuries from the tornado and an additional six indirect injuries during the response phase of the disaster, all in the Cottonwood area. Thanks to Houston County and Jackson County Emergency Management for assistance with this damage survey.
A power line was blown down in a field between Jessie Way and Joe Neel Road.
Power lines were blown down along Watford Road.
Power lines were blown down on Olie Road.
A tree was blown down and blocked the left lane of I-10 at MM 122 westbound.
A tree was blown down at 1213 Pioneer Road.
A tree was blown down on New Prospect Road.
A tree was blown down at Orange Hill Road and Highview Lane.
A tree was blown down across Pelham Ave.
A tree was blown down across Woodrest Road near Highway 162.
A brief EF0 tornado touched down in far eastern Washington county. The only damage was to trees, and this was coincident with a brief TDS from EVX radar.
A tree was blown down on Highway 2 West of Osceola Ave.
A tree was blown down on Eldridge Road near Veteran Road.
A tree was blown down on Highway 90 near Pine Branch Blvd.
Three trees were blown down along Highway 231 in Campbellton.
Trees were blown down with power lines along Highway 2 near Sills Road.
A tree was blown down with power lines on Rambo Road.
A tornado touched down in Callaway near the intersection of South Tyndall Parkway and North Lakewood Drive. The roofs of two homes were heavily damaged in this location, consistent with an EF-2 tornado with max winds estimated at 115 mph. Damage was sporadic along the track as the tornado continued northeast until the roof of another home was removed along Chipewa Street. A manufactured home was also damaged along Chipewa Street. The tornado appears to have dissipated near Cherry Street, where debris from the damaged roof was scattered. Thanks to area media and Emergency Management for assistance with this survey.
A tree was blown down with lines in it on Ellaville Road and Ephesus Church near Avery Road.
Trees were blown down at Gardenview Road and Dallas Road.
A tree was blown down on Barber Road.
A tree and power line were blown down on Lovewood Road at Lancer Road.
A tree was blown down across New Bridge Road near Old US Road.
Trees were blown down on Everett Road.
A power line was blown down on Highway 2 about 1 mile west of Old US Road.
Trees blew down in the Fountain area.
Trees were blown down with power lines on Freeman Road and Highway 231.
A tree was blown down across Highway 162 near Essex Road.
Trees were blown down on Topaz Road near Kynesville Road.
A tree was blown down in the eastbound lane of Highway 2 near Friendship Church Road.
Trees were blown down onto power lines on Hoosier Circle and Monogahela Ave.
Two trees were blown down and blocking Fairview Road.
A tree and lines were down on Highway 69 in Greenwood.
Two trees were blown down and blocking Nortek Blvd.
A tree was blown down near Dipper Road and Laramore Road.
A tree was blown down near Joey Road and Petes Road.
A tree blew down across Whitfield Lane near Holly Ridge Trail.
Trees were blown down on Bates Road.
A tree was blown down on Petes Road near Henry Way.
A tree was blown down onto Fort Road near Whispering Pines.
Trees were blown down into power lines on McCormick Road west of Highway 73 South.
A tree was blown down along Highway 2 near Concord Road.
A tree was blown down across the southbound lane of Highway 73 near Peacock Bridge Road.
The Mexico Beach WeatherSTEM gusted to 75 mph.
A large oak tree blew down across Timberlane Road near Line Road.
A tree was blown down across half of Rocky Creek Road.
Trees were blown down on Hollister Road just east of Lawrence Road.
Trees were blown down on Highway 71 and Armstrong Road in Wewahitchka.
A tree was blown down onto McKeown Mill Road.
A brief tornado touched touch along Bloxham Cutoff, damaging several trees. The tornado moved into a wooded area south of Blountstown highway where it dissipated. No other damage was found. The tree damage was consistent with an EF0 tornado.
Trees and power lines were blown down along Gloria Drive and Pecan Road.
A tree was blown down and blocking Jackson Bluff Road.
A tree and power line were blown down at Belle Vue Way and South Ocala Road.
Trees were blown down with a road closure along South Lake Bradford Road.
A tree was blown down on Mahan Dr between Franklin Blvd and Magnolia Dr.
Trees and power lines were blown down at Hawks Glen and Timberlane Road.
Trees and power lines were blown down with a road closure along North Meridian Road.
A tree was blown down at Miccosukee and Crump Road.
A power line was blown down on Welaka Trail.
A tree was blown down at Buck Lake Road and Green Hill Trace.
A tree was blown down onto Curtis Mill Road.
Big Joe Road was closed by the prison due to a tree falling onto a power line.
A tree was blown down onto South Salt Road.
A tree was blown down on Highway 53 and Moore with a power line also on the roadway.
A couple of trees were blown down in Dixie county.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Florida, 2024Warnings in Florida, January 2024
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: 1151152, 1151153, 1151154, 1151155, 1151156, 1150113, 1150250, 1150115, 1150253, 1150116, 1150117, 1150118, 1150254, 1150120, 1150121, 1150122, 1150255, 1150256, 1150124, 1150125, 1150126, 1150257, 1150127, 1150323, 1150130, 1150324, 1150325, 1150330, 1150131, 1150132, 1150133, 1150134, 1150135, 1150136, 1150137, 1150138, 1150320, 1150139, 1150140, 1150141, and more.