Florida hit by severe thunderstorms, tornado watch and wildfire threat

The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings and a tornado watch for parts of Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle on Thursday. Radar‑confirmed storms moved east at about 45 mph, bringing wind gusts up to 60 mph and quarter‑inch hail to towns such as Marianna, Chipley and Graceville. Residents were urged to seek shelter immediately, especially those in mobile homes or vehicles.

At the same time, Florida faced an elevated fire‑weather outlook as a long‑standing drought combined with record‑high temperatures created extreme wildfire risk. About six million Floridians were under a Red Flag Warning, and roughly two dozen active fires continued to burn, including the Lochloosa West fire near Gainesville. The state’s drought monitor showed nearly the entire region in moderate to extreme drought, while short‑term forecasts suggested isolated rain showers could bring 1–2 inches in the panhandle, offering limited relief.

Authorities advised against outdoor burning and encouraged residents to stay informed through local alerts as the weather system moved eastward.