St. Johns County Under Tornado Watch
National Weather Service Jacksonville (NWS Jax) has issued a Tornado Watch for all of St. Johns County effective at 1 p.m. St. Johns County Emergency Management (SJCEM) is monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates on its official Facebook page as they become available.
A squall line containing strong to severe thunderstorms will move across our area from west to east from early this afternoon through early this evening. The NWS Jax Storm Prediction Center has maintained a “Slight” Risk (level 2 of 5) for severe thunderstorm development across most of Northeast Florida later today. Potential thunderstorm hazards include damaging wind gusts of 50–70 mph, lightning strikes that could ignite additional wildfires, with isolated tornadoes and hail also possible.
SJCEM officials encourage residents to remain weather aware and have multiple ways to receive alerts.
Tornado Watch
A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area. Tornadoes can vary in size and intensity depending on the weather situation. Watches are typically issued for four to eight hours and are often announced well in advance of severe weather.
During a Tornado Watch, residents should:
- Stay informed through trusted weather sources.
- Identify a safe room in your home or workplace — an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
- Be prepared to act quickly if a Tornado Warning is issued.
Tornado Warning
A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning indicates that a tornado is occurring or imminent in the warned area.
When a Tornado Warning is issued, residents should take immediate action:
- Move to a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
- Protect yourself from flying debris by covering your head and neck.
- If you are in a mobile home or vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building immediately.
St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages the public to stay informed through these options:
- Follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook (facebook.com/StJohnsEOC).
- Sign up for the Alert St. Johns emergency notification system at www.sjcemergencymanagement.com.
- Ensure the notification settings selected allow you to be alerted at all times for your safety.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
Share:
