On January 8, 2024, severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, high winds, and potential tornadoes, was forecasted to impact the Florida Panhandle and Central Florida. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (@FLSERT) actively monitored the situation, which was expected to affect the regions overnight Monday and continue through Tuesday afternoon, January 9, 2024. Residents were advised to prepare by securing outdoor items, checking emergency supplies, and having multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Officials, including Senator Rick Scott and Governor Ron DeSantis, urged the public to stay alert, follow local authorities' directions, and seek shelter if a tornado warning is issued. They emphasized staying indoors, staying safe, and staying up to date with weather alerts. The New York Times reported that the severe weather has already caused damage in the Florida Panhandle early Tuesday, with power lines and trees downed and buildings damaged. Tornado warnings have been extended to parts of Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.
🚨#FL15–Our area is expected to receive severe weather with strong winds & the possibility of tornadoes throughout the day. Stay indoors, and seek shelter away from windows immediately if a tornado warning is issued. Be sure to stay up to date with weather alerts in your area.
Severe thunderstorms and apparent tornados ripped across the Florida Panhandle early Tuesday, downing power lines and trees and damaging buildings. Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Florida, Alabama and Georgia. https://t.co/YSn8alaZpB
🚨Attention Central Floridians: Severe weather is expected tonight and tomorrow in Central FL. Please stay tuned to weather alerts and have an emergency plan ready. Stay safe! https://t.co/B94YVLSYW7 https://t.co/EU4kWs97bq
At my direction, @FLSERT is closely monitoring a severe weather system that may bring strong winds and isolated tornadoes across the Panhandle and Central Florida tonight through Tuesday. Residents should prepare for possible impacts and heed any warnings from officials. We have…
🚨 1/8/24: Strong to severe thunderstorms may bring damaging wind gusts & tornadoes across the Panhandle & Central FL overnight tonight & Tuesday. ⬇️ Residents in these areas should monitor local weather alerts & seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued. https://t.co/uG5Q14nZau
🚨 Families in Florida’s Panhandle should be prepared for severe weather and high winds this evening through tomorrow AM. Stay alert and follow the direction of local authorities - don’t put your family at risk. https://t.co/hrirzNxnzX
.@FLSERT is monitoring severe weather that will threaten the FL Panhandle overnight Mon & move through Central FL Tues afternoon. Hazards may include damaging wind gusts, tornadoes & flooding. 🔦 Check your supplies 🪴 Secure any outdoor items 📻 Have multiple ways to get alerts