Severe Weather Alert for Jacksonville: Storms and Winter Weather Coming

News Summary

Jacksonville is bracing for severe weather as a Weather Impact Alert is issued for February 16. Expect heavy rain, strong winds, and a risk of tornadoes. Residents should prepare for possible hazardous conditions with a Winter Storm Warning set to follow. Outdoor activities may need to be adjusted, and safety precautions are advised as temperatures drop significantly. Stay informed and keep emergency supplies ready as the forecast unfolds.

Weather Impact Alert Issued for Jacksonville as Severe Storms and Winter Weather Approach

Jacksonville, it looks like the weather is going to be quite the rollercoaster in the coming days! The First Coast’s most accurate weather team has put out a Weather Impact Alert Day for this Sunday, February 16, which will definitely have folks paying extra attention to the skies.

Get Ready for Stormy Skies!

Starting early, the alert is set to kick in at 9 a.m. and will continue until 2 p.m. That’s right, so if you’re a planner, keep that raincoat handy! A very strong line of showers and storms is heading our way, and it’s expected to roll through at different times throughout the day. For those in northwestern Georgia, prepare for the rain at around 9 a.m.. Jacksonville can expect the heaviest rain between 11 a.m. and noon, with St. Augustine not far behind at about 12:30 p.m..

Take Precautions for Severe Weather

Residents should brace themselves for the possibility of widespread rain and strong storms. There’s a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, mainly due to wind gusts that could reach an impressive 50-70 mph. While it’s a low risk, there’s also a small chance of spin-up tornadoes—so it’s definitely a day to stay alert and prepared.

Before the winds start picking up, be sure to secure any loose outdoor items around your home. If you’ve got plans to enjoy the outdoors, it might be wise to have some backup indoor activities just in case. As the thunderstorm alerts roll in, remember it’s best to take shelter when the storms get going.

Daytona 500 Changes and More

For those planning to head to Daytona Beach, note that the Daytona 500 has been rescheduled. The new start time is 1:30 p.m., adjusted from the original start time of 2:30 p.m.. Drivers should be cautious, as heavy rainfall could make visibility quite tricky.

Mild Saturday, then Winter Weather Ahead

Saturday’s forecast isn’t all doom and gloom! Expect temperatures in the comfortable 70s and 80s, with just a few isolated showers in Jacksonville. But don’t let that fool you—things are about to change drastically! From Tuesday at 7 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, a Winter Storm Warning will be in effect for much of the First Coast, including Duval and Clay Counties.

In fact, St. Johns County and eastern Putnam County are under a Winter Weather Advisory until the morning of February 17, so stay informed! Those chillier temperatures are expected to lead to heavy mixed precipitation, with the potential for around one inch of snow and sleet. Plus, there could be ice accumulations of up to one-tenth of an inch.

Be Aware of Dangerous Road Conditions

Keep in mind that freezing rain will likely create hazardous road conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. If you need to commute on Wednesday morning, it might be wise to adjust plans to avoid risky driving conditions. As for the cold, expect a Cold Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. Sunday to 10 a.m. Monday, with wind chills potentially dipping as low as 19 degrees.

A Freeze Warning will come into play on Monday, with temperatures potentially plunging to 29 degrees. Despite the low chances of snow in Jacksonville, the freezing rain is a higher threat. If any wintry precipitation occurs, it would be the first significant snow or sleet seen in Jacksonville in over 35 years—the last time being in December 1989.

Stay Warm and Safe!

Lastly, the Florida Department of Transportation is preparing for the wintery weather, ensuring they’re ready should the icy conditions hit. Residents are encouraged to take precautions to stay warm, especially if there are any power outages. So, Jacksonville, stay safe, stay warm, and keep an ear out for the weather updates as this crazy forecast unfolds!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• Action News Jax: Weather Impact Alert
• First Coast News: Winter Storm Warning Explained
• Jacksonville.com: Snow Forecast for Jacksonville
• Wikipedia: Weather in Florida
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather