Residents in the Florida Panhandle and Alabama should be prepared for a dangerous night of severe weather on Saturday, February 15. A strong storm system will move in during the late evening and overnight hours, bringing the potential for damaging winds, heavy rain, and even isolated tornadoes.
The biggest concern? This storm is hitting while most people are asleep, making it even more important to stay alert and have a way to receive warnings overnight. If you’re in the affected areas, now is the time to prepare.
Severe Weather Timeline & What to Expect
When Will the Storms Arrive?
- Storms will start developing Saturday evening, but the most intense weather is expected from late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
- Peak severe weather threat: 10 PM – 6 AM (Saturday night into early Sunday morning).
What Are the Main Threats?
- Damaging Winds: Straight-line winds could gust up to 60-70 mph, which is strong enough to bring down trees and power lines.
- Isolated Tornadoes: While tornadoes are not guaranteed, conditions will be favorable for a few to form, especially in southern Alabama and the western Florida Panhandle.
- Heavy Rain & Flash Flooding: Some areas could see intense downpours, leading to localized flash flooding in low-lying areas and poor drainage spots.
Why Is This Happening?
- A cold front is clashing with warm, humid air, creating unstable conditions perfect for severe thunderstorms.
- Highs on Saturday will be unseasonably warm, reaching the mid-70s, before the front sweeps through, triggering storms.
City-by-City Breakdown
Pensacola, FL
- Threats: Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, heavy rain.
- High: 75°F (24°C) | Low: 65°F (18°C)
- Timing: Severe storms possible late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Mobile, AL
- Threats: Strong winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rain.
- High: 75°F (24°C) | Low: 62°F (17°C)
- Timing: Storms intensify after 10 PM and last into early Sunday morning.
What This Means: These storms will hit while most people are sleeping—which makes having weather alerts on and loud enough to wake you up absolutely critical.
How to Stay Safe
Tornado & Wind Safety Tips
- Know your safe place – The best spot is an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows (bathrooms and closets work well).
- If you live in a mobile home, make plans now – High winds and tornadoes can destroy mobile homes. Identify a sturdier shelter nearby.
- Turn your phone alerts ON – Tornadoes can form quickly, and you need to be able to wake up if a warning is issued.
Flood Safety Tips
- Never drive through floodwaters – Just a few inches can sweep your car away.
- If your area is prone to flooding, be ready to move to higher ground.
- Check your local flood alerts before heading out Sunday morning.
General Storm Preparedness
- Charge your devices before bed in case of power outages.
- Secure loose outdoor items—strong winds can turn patio furniture, trash cans, and decorations into flying debris.
- Have a flashlight and batteries handy in case you lose power overnight.
Damaging winds, isolated tornadoes, and heavy rain will move in late Saturday night and last into early Sunday morning.
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts—storms will hit while most people are asleep.
If a warning is issued, take action immediately—don’t wait to see the storm!
