Tornado Watch Issued for Southeastern U.S. as Severe Storms Threaten

2025-03-02

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of five states in the southeastern United States, including Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee, as severe thunderstorms threaten the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned residents to prepare for potential tornadoes, urging them to identify safe locations and remain vigilant for further updates. The watch is in effect until 9 a.m. EST for 59 counties in Georgia, while other states have varying expiration times, with some areas under watch until 10 a.m. CST.

In Alabama, the tornado watch covers southern and central counties, including Mobile, Baldwin, and Montgomery, until early Sunday morning. Florida counties such as Bay, Leon, and Walton are also under watch. Mississippi’s Harrison and Jackson Counties are included until 4 a.m. CST. The NWS emphasizes that a tornado watch indicates conditions are favorable for severe storms and tornadoes, while a warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or detected by radar.

Recent severe weather has already impacted the region, with a tornado causing damage in southeastern Mississippi earlier this week, uprooting trees and trapping residents in their homes. Similar storms in late December and November resulted in fatalities and injuries in Texas and Oklahoma, respectively. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts and heed safety instructions as the situation develops.