The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Tornado Watch 594, in effect until 8:00 PM EDT this evening, for the following 15 counties in Florida.
NWS issues a tornado watch when weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and near the watch area. This does not mean that tornadoes are occurring, but rather that they are possible.
During a tornado watch, you should:
- Be prepared: Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies, and check your safe room.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching.
- Know the difference between a watch and a warning: A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, and you should take immediate action to protect yourself.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Warns Of “Major Storm” Statewide Flooding As Tropical Storm Debby Approaches
Tornado watches typically cover large areas, encompassing numerous counties or even states. They are meant to give people time to prepare for the possibility of severe weather.
Central Florida:
- Hardee
- Polk
- Sumter
Northern Florida:
- Levy
South Central Florida:
- DeSoto
- Highlands
Southwest Florida:
- Charlotte
- Lee
West Central Florida:
- Citrus
- Hernando
- Hillsborough
- Manatee
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Sarasota
This watch includes numerous cities, including Arcadia, Avon Park, Bayshore Gardens, Beverly Hills, Bonita Springs, Bowling Green, Bradenton, Brandon, Bronson, Brooksville, Bushnell, Cape Coral, Cedar Key, Chiefland, Citrus Springs, Clearwater, Dade City, Englewood, Fanning Springs, Floral City, Fort Myers, Hernando, Holiday, Homosassa Springs, Hudson, Inverness, Jasmine Estates, Lake Panasoffkee, Lakeland, Land O’ Lakes, Largo, Lecanto, Lehigh Acres, New Port Richey, North Fort Myers, North Port, Palmetto, Placid Lakes, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Sebring, South Venice, Spring Hill, St. Petersburg, Tampa, The Villages, Venice, Wauchula, Wildwood, Williston, Winter Haven, Zephyrhills, and Zolfo Springs.
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