This blog post explains the rapid sequence of severe weather alerts affecting the Florida Panhandle this weekend.
I summarize the watches and advisories in force, describe the expected timeline and impacts — including a dramatic temperature plunge — and provide practical, science-based safety steps residents can take to reduce risk from severe thunderstorms, high winds, tornadoes and extreme cold.
Storm overview: fast-moving system brings severe weather and an abrupt Arctic blast
The Panhandle is being hit by a dynamic storm system that will deliver multiple hazards in quick succession.
A line of strong thunderstorms tracked by Doppler radar was moving east at roughly 45 mph across nearby Alabama late Sunday morning, signaling an imminent threat of damaging winds, lightning and brief tornadoes as it reaches northwest Florida.
Behind the convective line, a strong cold front and reinforcing Arctic air mass will cause temperatures to fall sharply — from highs near 73°F on Sunday to an overnight low around 27°F.
This abrupt transition sets up both severe thunderstorm/tornado potential and rapid onset of extreme cold conditions.
Where watches and advisories are in effect and timing
A tornado watch is in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
In addition, a wind advisory runs through 3 p.m. with sustained southwest winds of 10–20 mph and gusts expected to reach 40–50 mph.
Following the storms, an extreme cold warning is set from midnight to noon Monday, Jan. 26, when wind chills could fall to around 10°F.
An extreme cold watch then covers much of the Panhandle from late Monday night through Tuesday morning. Overnight Monday lows may fall to about 21°F, with inland areas dipping into the teens.
Why this sequence is dangerous: combined hazards to plan for
What makes this event particularly hazardous is the combination of fast-moving severe thunderstorms, strong winds, and an immediate plunge into extreme cold.
Strong gusts and thunderstorm damage can create power outages and downed trees just as temperatures nosedive, increasing the risk to life and property.
Thunderstorms moving at 45 mph can produce embedded tornadoes and damaging straight-line winds.
The subsequent cold air mass, amplified by gusty winds, will produce dangerously low wind chills and rapid freezing conditions for exposed pipes, plants and livestock.
Practical preparedness steps for residents
As someone who has worked in severe-weather preparedness for three decades, I recommend a layered approach to reduce risk.
Prioritize life safety, maintain situational awareness, and take steps now to protect property.
Final recommendations
Respect the timeline of hazards: severe storms and high winds first. These are followed by a dramatic temperature drop and extreme cold.
Securing property, protecting pipes, and staying weather aware can prevent many common storm-related harms.
If you live in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa or Walton counties (or anywhere in the Panhandle), treat watches and advisories seriously. Have a plan and be ready to act quickly as conditions evolve.
Here is the source article for this story: Florida Panhandle is under tornado watch ahead of extreme cold warning