NWS/Mobile has issued two warnings:
A Tornado Warning for Southern Okaloosa County (including Ft. Walton Beach), in the NW Florida Panhandle, until noon. Doppler radar indicated the severe thunderstorm that could produce a tornado 10 miles SW of Mary Ester or about 8 miles SE of Navarre moving NE at 20. Mary Ester is just west of Ft. Walton.
NWS/Mobile as issued a Marine Warning for coastal waters from Destin to Pensacola and out 20 nautical miles (about 25 land miles) and for coastal waters from Pensacola westward to Pascagoula, Mississippi. The warning is in effect until 12:30 this afternoon.
This was issued because of a line of thunderstorms producing strong winds 34 knots (39 mph) or greater from near Pensacola southwestward to about 60 miles south of Dauphin Island. The line of storms was moving ENE at 30 knots or 35 mph. Other scattered thunderstorms, not in the line, were developing off shore south of Navarre, Ft. Walton and Destin. These storms were already strong and may be producing large and very dangerous waterspouts.
Mariners can expect gusty winds, high waves, dangerous lightning, heavy rain and dangerous waterspouts. Boaters should seek safe harbor immediately.
