In what could be described as a dress rehearsal for the spring tornado season, stormy weather is on tap for the next couple of days in the Florida Panhandle and south Alabama.
Warm air that’s raising daytime temperatures into the 70s for the next couple of days is clashing with an upper level system whose northern half, the remains of Winter Storm Kayla, is spreading blizzard conditions through the Plains and Upper Midwest.
“Scattered showers, maybe a few isolated thundershowers,” said Eric Esbensen at the National Weather Service in Mobile. “Then as the day progresses the upper level dynamics increase to the west as it approaches.”
As we get into [Tuesday] evening, Esbensen says conditions become favorable for severe weather when the squall line moves in from the west, part of which includes the potential for totals of one to three inches.
Winds are also expected to pick up as the front approaches, at a consistent 10 to 20 miles per hour, gusting to 30. Esbensen says we’re moving into the time of year when the transition from winter to spring brings a threat of severe weather.
“Cooler sea-surface waters do help us out a little bit along the coast for the severe threat,” Esbensen says. “It decreases the instability somewhat. But for now there’s an isolated threat for severe weather [Tuesday] afternoon and it gets a little bit higher in coverage overnight.”
John Dosh, Escambia County’s Emergency Management Director, says while it’s important to monitor the weather when it threatens, we do live in a time when that’s never been easier, beginning with a weather radio.
“All the electronics that’s out there and available, with texting, instant messaging, and Facebook, literally hundreds of different pathways to get weather warnings and making sure people are aware,” Dosh said.
Dosh also advises residents to review their emergency plans, in case severe weather impacts them.
After the front with its rain and wind move out of the area, forecaster Eric Esbensen says its back to more winter-like conditions: highs in the 50s, and lows in the 30s.
A high rip current risk is also in effect for area beaches through late tonight. That means the surf is dangerous for swimmers of all skill levels.
