A tornado watch has been issued for over 11 million people in central and northern Florida, as well as southeastern Georgia until 4 pm EDT due to the impact of Hurricane Debby moving inland. This watch includes major cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville in Florida, as well as Savannah in Georgia.
Tornadoes are a common occurrence during landfalling tropical storms and hurricanes. They are typically associated with outer rain bands and can form rapidly, often being short-lived. This characteristic makes them particularly dangerous as they can develop with minimal warning, unlike traditional tornadic storms in other regions of the United States.
Recent events serve as a reminder of the potential threat posed by tornadoes in the aftermath of tropical storms. Last month, the remnants of Hurricane Beryl spawned more than 50 tornadoes across a vast area stretching from Texas to the Northeast. These tornadoes persisted for up to 3 days following the storm's landfall, highlighting the lasting impact that such weather phenomena can have.
Given the current situation, authorities have taken proactive measures by issuing a tornado watch for parts of Florida and Georgia until 4 PM EDT. Residents in these areas are advised to stay informed about the weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of heightened risk.
