Tornado and Damaging Winds in Florida, May 13 to 14, 2024

Name: Tornado and Damaging Winds in Florida, May 13 to 14, 2024
Start: 2024-05-13T10:35
End: 2024-05-14T05:12
Location: Florida

May 13 to 14, 2024 · NWS TAE · 10 events in 5 counties and zones

A couple of rounds of showers and thunderstorms impacted portions of northwest Florida on May 13 and 14th ahead of a cold front. A few reports of severe weather occurred, mainly in the form of trees and power lines blown down.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $3,000
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 10

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.

What happened

The episode as NWS TAE wrote it up.

What forecasters said that day

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 13, 10:18 AM CST, 17 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 13, 10:18 AM CST, 17 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
1218 PM EDT Mon May 13 2024

...New NEAR TERM, AVIATION, MARINE...

.NEAR TERM...
(Through Tuesday)
Issued at 1151 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

A large cluster of severe thunderstorms is currently moving east
across the Florida Panhandle. In advance of this cluster, an
east-west surface boundary is evident from near Tyndall AFB to
near Valdosta. North of that line, cooler and drier air at the
surface will be less favorable for severe. Along and south of
this line, low- level shear profiles and convective instability
are most favorable for organizing severe thunderstorms. Any
discrete cells near the boundary could produce a tornado. The main
threat will be the bow echo that is racing east across the
Panhandle, with damaging to possibly destructive straight-line
winds being the most widespread concern.

Late tonight and early Tuesday morning, the cluster of
thunderstorms back near San Antonio TX will race east, crossing
our service area late tonight and early Tuesday morning. The the
main severe threat will again be damaging to possibly destructive
wind gusts. This afternoon's cluster of storms will likely leave
an outflow boundary draped across the Gulf waters, which will then
start to retreat northward in advance of the cluster late tonight.
The inland extent of severe weather will depend on how far north
the boundary can retreat. At this time, our Florida counties and
especially coastal counties have the best chance for another round
of severe storms starting late tonight.

Heavy rain and flash flooding are possible, given the slow
movement of the focusing east-west surface boundary, and thus the
potential for training storms. 2 to 4 inches of rain will be
fairly common over our FL counties, with pockets of up to 8
inches possible.

&&

.SHORT TERM & LONG TERM...

Starting Wednesday morning, a cold front will finally begin its
passage through the CWA, clearing out the remaining showers and
thunderstorms. Winds will be westerly for most of the day before
shifting to the northwest during the evening and overnight hours
into Thursday. The cold front won't be cooling temperatures down.
Highs through next weekend will be in the upper 80s to low 90s.
Overnight lows will be in the upper 60s to low 70s.

Following Wedneday's front, upper level ridging will build, which
is why we can expect the warming temperatures heading into the
weekend and a brief lull in convective weather. A trough
approaches on Friday that will bring our next chance for showers
and thunderstorms through the weekend. At the moment, it is too
soon to say what the impacts will be; but the global models
forecast parameters are similar to what we've have been seeing for
the past few rounds of storms we've been experiencing. Elevated
CAPE between 1000-3000 J/kg, 40-55kts of deep-layer shear, mid-
level lapse rates about 6- 7C/km, and PWATs nearing 2". It appears
an "all-hazards" event may again be possible. The WPC has
highlighted the FL Panhandle, SW GA, and SE AL in a Slight (2 of
4) risk for excessive rainfall for Friday and areas along the I-75
corridor and SE Big Bend in a Marginal (1 of 4) risk for
excessive rainfall.

PoPs chances for the start of the term are highest in the SE Big
Bend on Wednesday morning for the remaining showers and
thunderstorms with about a 40%-70% chance. We can expect a lull in
convective activity for Thursday with PoPs peaking at less than
20%. PoPs chances increase for Friday with a 60%-70% chance for
areas along and north of I-10 Friday afternoon. South of I-10,
PoPs chances are about 50%. Heading into Saturday, the forecast
becomes a little bit more uncertain, but PoPs are elevated at
about 40%-60% with the highest chances along the I-75 corridor.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFS)
Issued at 1151 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

The main challenge will be timing multiple clusters of
thunderstorms that will pass the terminals over the next 24 hours.
One clusters with strong to severe winds will sweep across early-
mid this afternoon. The next round will sweep across late tonight.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 1151 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

Multiple rounds of large thunderstorm clusters will traverse the
waters through Tuesday, bringing severe wind gusts, possible
waterspouts, and frequent lightning. Elevated sustained winds on
Tuesday into Wednesday has prompted a Small Craft Advisory to go
into effect Tuesday morning through Wednesday. Conditions should
become more favorable by mid- late week before another chance for
thunderstorms over the weekend.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 504 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

The main fire weather concern for the period will be on high
dispersions on Wednesday. Otherwise, we'll be in a wet and active
weather pattern through Tuesday with severe weather being possible
each day. Drier weather should be moving in on Wednesday and will
hold through Thursday. Wet weather returns for the end of the
week and the start of the weekend.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 504 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

Today through Wednesday has the potential for heavy rain over the
entire region. A forecast of 2-4 inches area-wide, with isolated
higher amounts, and the potential to have up to 8 inches through
Wednesday. The Weather Prediction Center for the Day 1 outlook has
highlighted areas west of the Apalachicola basin in a Slight (2
of 4) risk for Excessive Rainfall, while including Walton Co, FL
in a Moderate (3 of 4) risk for Excessive Rainfall. Areas to the
east of the basin are included in a Marginal Risk (1 of 4) for
excessive rainfall. For Tuesday (Day 2 outlook), the FL panhandle
is highlighted in a Slight (2 of 4) risk for excessive rainfall,
while our AL and GA counties are in a Marginal (1 of 4) risk for
excessive rainfall. A Flood Watch will be in effect from 11 AM EDT
/ 10 AM CDT Monday through 8 PM EDT / 7 PM EDT Tuesday. The
longer-term implications are riverine flooding depending on where
the heaviest rain falls.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not requested. However, spotters are always
encouraged to safely report significant weather conditions when they
occur by calling the office or tweeting us @NWSTallahassee.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
Tallahassee   81  70  82  71 /  90  80 100  50
Panama City   81  70  81  73 / 100  80 100  20
Dothan        74  67  82  68 / 100  70 100  20
Albany        77  66  80  68 / 100  80 100  40
Valdosta      82  68  82  71 / 100  90  90  50
Cross City    89  69  85  71 /  70  70  70  70
Apalachicola  81  71  81  75 /  80  70  90  40

&&

.TAE WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Flood Watch through Tuesday evening for FLZ007>018-026-027-108-
     112-114-115-118-127.

     High Rip Current Risk through Tuesday evening for FLZ108-112-114-
     115.

GA...Flood Watch through Tuesday evening for GAZ120>127-142>146-
     155>158.

AL...Flood Watch through Tuesday evening for ALZ065>069.

GM...Small Craft Advisory from 11 AM Tuesday to 8 AM EDT Wednesday
     for GMZ730-755-765-775.

     Small Craft Advisory from 5 AM Tuesday to 7 AM CDT Wednesday for
     GMZ750-752-770-772.

&&

NEAR TERM...Haner
SHORT TERM...Montgomery
LONG TERM....Montgomery
AVIATION...Haner
MARINE...Haner
FIRE WEATHER...KR
HYDROLOGY...Montgomery

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 13, 8:29 AM CST, 2 hours 6 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
1029 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

FLZ011-013-016-026-131515-
Liberty FL-Gadsden FL-Calhoun FL-Jackson FL-
1029 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN JACKSON AND
NORTHERN CALHOUN COUNTIES IN THE PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA...GADSDEN AND
NORTHERN LIBERTY COUNTIES IN BIG BEND FLORIDA THROUGH 1115 AM
EDT/1015 AM CDT/...

At 1029 AM EDT/929 AM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 13 miles northwest of Blountstown, moving east at 50
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Midway, Quincy, Havana, Blountstown, Greensboro, Chattahoochee,
Sneads, Gretna, Bristol, Altha, Rock Bluff, Moose Pond, Ocheesee,
Juniper, Douglas City, Selman, Florence, Jamieson, Chipola, and Camps
Head.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until noon EDT/1100 AM
CDT/ for the Panhandle of Florida.

&&

LAT...LON 3068 8533 3071 8483 3069 8437 3057 8437
      3052 8439 3051 8440 3048 8440 3047 8442
      3046 8446 3046 8449 3044 8453 3044 8456
      3041 8459 3041 8461 3040 8464 3045 8533
TIME...MOT...LOC 1429Z 267DEG 45KT 3058 8520

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

16-WORSTER

Special weather statement, May 13, 9:05 AM CST, 1 hour 30 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
1105 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

FLZ016-017-026-131530-
Liberty FL-Gadsden FL-Leon FL-
1105 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT GADSDEN...EAST CENTRAL LIBERTY
AND LEON COUNTIES THROUGH 1130 AM EDT...

At 1103 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 9 miles east of Chattahoochee to 11 miles south
of Greensboro. Movement was east at 60 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible. 30 to 40 mph wind gusts are possible which may
         bring some issues regarding the weakened trees across the
         area from previous storm damage.

Locations impacted include...
Tallahassee, Woodville, Florida State University, Midway, Tallahassee
Community College, Quincy, Havana, Florida A and M, Doak Campbell
Stadium, Gretna, Lake Bradford, Leon Sinks, Douglas City, Gaither
Community Center, Tallahassee Memorial Hosp, Florence, Walker Ford
Community Center, Jamieson, Miccosukee, and South City.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3052 8404 3046 8404 3044 8407 3030 8408
      3030 8484 3070 8468 3067 8401 3061 8401
      3052 8398
TIME...MOT...LOC 1503Z 262DEG 52KT 3071 8469 3041 8482

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

16-WORSTER

Special weather statement, May 13, 9:38 AM CST, 57 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tallahassee FL
1138 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

FLZ017-026-027-115-127-131615-
Liberty FL-Coastal Wakulla FL-Coastal Franklin FL-Inland Wakulla FL-
Leon FL-
1138 AM EDT Mon May 13 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WAKULLA...SOUTHEASTERN
LIBERTY...SOUTHWESTERN LEON AND NORTHEASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTIES
THROUGH 1215 PM EDT...

At 1137 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 21
miles west of Crawfordville, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Woodville, St. Marks, Crawfordville, Wakulla, Sopchoppy, Newport,
East Camp, Jewel Fire Tower, Shadeville, Leon Sinks, Wakulla Springs,
Vilas, Central City, Panacea, Poplar Camp, Smith Creek, Medart,
Buckhorn, Nixon Garden, and Bethel.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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.

&&

LAT...LON 2999 8457 3001 8455 3001 8461 3016 8495
      3028 8488 3034 8461 3031 8407 3028 8407
      3001 8418 3001 8423 2987 8428
TIME...MOT...LOC 1537Z 266DEG 45KT 3023 8471

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

71-BUNKER

The radar

The Eglin Afb radar (KEVX), 45 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 16:35 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

7 thunderstorm wind, 2 funnel cloud, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.

Funnel Cloud, Walton

When: May 13, 10:35 AM CST
Where: Walton County, 1.5 mi NNW of Gulf Pines
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.390, -86.340

Thunderstorm Wind, Walton

When: May 13, 10:41 AM CST
Where: Walton County, 2.26 mi SE of Turquoise Beach
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Property damage: $3,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 30.380, -86.280

A tree was blown down onto some power lines and cables.

Thunderstorm Wind, Walton

When: May 13, 10:43 AM CST
Where: Walton County, 1.5 mi SSE of Portland
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.490, -86.180

Trees were blown down.

Tornado, Walton

When: May 13, 10:44 AM CST to 10:45 AM CST
Where: Walton County, 2.48 mi ENE of Santa Rosa Beach to 2.49 mi ENE of Santa Rosa Beach
Rating: EFU
Path length: 0.01 mi
Path width: 10 yd
Reported by: Broadcast Media
Coordinates: 30.390, -86.180

The media forwarded a video of a waterspout moving onshore as a tornado just off the US-331 bridge at North Beach social. No damage was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind, Holmes

When: May 13, 11:14 AM CST
Where: Holmes County, 2.39 mi NNE of Bonifay
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 30.810, -85.660

A tree was blown down onto power lines along Highway 173 northeast of Bonifay.

Funnel Cloud, Bay

When: May 13, 11:34 AM CST
Where: Bay County, 0.6 mi W of St Andrews State Park
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 30.130, -85.740

Thunderstorm Wind, Bay

When: May 14, 2:53 AM CST
Where: Bay County, 0.69 mi N of Brannonville
Measured: 54 kt (62 mph) measured gust
Reported by: Mesonet
Coordinates: 30.230, -85.590

An Ambient weather station gusted to 62 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind, Calhoun

When: May 14, 3:15 AM CST
Where: Calhoun County, 1.5 mi SSW of Chason
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: Law Enforcement
Coordinates: 30.510, -85.200

A downed oak tree was reported across the road.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: May 14, 5:12 AM EST
Where: Madison County, 0.91 mi SW of Madison
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 30.450, -83.420

A tree was blown down at the intersection of SW State Road 14 and County Road 360.

Thunderstorm Wind, Madison

When: May 14, 5:12 AM EST
Where: Madison County, 2.97 mi W of Hamburg
Measured: 50 kt (58 mph) estimated gust
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 30.570, -83.560

A tree was blown down at the intersection of Lovett Road and Partridge Way.

What these are

Funnel Cloud: A rotating column of cloud extending from a thunderstorm that did not reach the ground.
Thunderstorm Wind: Winds from a thunderstorm of 50 knots (58 mph) or more, or lower winds that caused damage or casualties. Measured gusts are marked MG, estimated EG.
Tornado: A violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and extending from a thunderstorm, filed with its path, width and Fujita or Enhanced Fujita rating from the damage survey.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in Florida in 2024 Every state in 2024 This day in weather history The tornado archive for Florida, 2024 Warnings in Florida, May 2024

Sources

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: 1185757, 1185758, 1185759, 1185766, 1185760, 1185761, 1185762, 1185763, 1185764, 1185765.