January 9, 2024 - Winter storm slams central and eastern US

Several tornadoes have been reported this morning in the Florida Panhandle as a strong line of thunderstorms moves through the area.

National Weather Service meteorologists reported a “large and extremely dangerous tornado” near Panama City just after 5:30 a.m. CT (6:30 a.m. ET).

"This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION," the weather service added.

The tornado continued to track northeast, passing near Lynn Haven, Florida, shortly before 7 a.m. ET.

"To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW!" the weather service warned.

Social media videos from the area at that time appear to show a strong waterspout moving onshore as well as damage after the storm passed.

NWS meteorologists continue to track the storm, which is confirmed to still be producing a dangerous tornado near the town of Marianna, passing Interstate 10.

At least five tornadoes have been reported in the last couple of hours, according to data from the Storm Prediction Center.

A new tornado watch is in effect until 2 p.m. ET for portions of southeastern Alabama, the eastern Florida Panhandle to northern Florida, and southern Georgia, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

This watch covers over 2 million people and includes Tallahassee, Panama City and Lake City in Florida, Dothan in Alabama, and Albany and Valdosta in Georgia.

A strong line of storms, with potentially tornadic circulations and damaging straight line winds up to 75 mph, will sweep eastward across the watch area through the remainder of the morning into early afternoon.

Over 40 million people across the Southeast are at risk of severe storms today. A Level 3 of 5 risk of severe storms covers much of Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas on Tuesday, where tornadoes and damaging winds are possible.

High winds continue to impact much of the central and southern US, which has increased power outages to over 244,000 customers, according to poweroutage.us. 

Here the states with the highest power outages as of 7:15 a.m. ET:

More than half the US population is currently under wind alerts that cover almost all of the South and extend into the Northeast. The bulk of the high wind alerts across the Southern Plains will begin to expire through the day on Tuesday but will largely last into Wednesday for much of the eastern US. 

A powerful storm packing nearly every winter weather threat is making its way across the central and eastern US today.

When staying indoors during cold temperatures or a winter storm, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips:

And if you must go outside, the CDC and National Weather Service have some recommendations for staying safe while venturing outdoors during a winter storm,

Read more about how to stay safe during winter weather.

Intense storms are moving through portions of Florida and Alabama early Tuesday morning, unleashing torrential rainfall, strong winds and even a few tornadoes. Multiple tornado warnings were issued in each state during the predawn hours Tuesday.

Downtown Mobile, Alabama, was under at least two separate tornado warnings early Tuesday. But the threat has since shifted east into the Florida Panhandle, where at least one confirmed tornado moved through Freeport, Florida, on Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida.

The damaging storms capable of producing tornadoes will continue to develop and form into a cohesive line of dangerous storms throughout Tuesday morning. This formidable line of storms will track east and unload severe weather across other portions of the Southeast Tuesday afternoon and evening.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on Monday ahead of the severe weather that is expected to impact the state today.

"This storm system has the potential to bring high winds and other dangerous storm conditions to North Carolina, and people should be aware and take precautions,” Cooper said in a news release.

The storm threat is expected to increase into Tuesday afternoon.

“The severe weather threat has increased with numerous severe storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts and tornadoes possible Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night, especially in the eastern half of the state,” the news release noted.

New York City issued a travel advisory and flood watch starting Tuesday night at 6 p.m. ET, warning of heavy rains, damaging winds and moderate coastal flooding across the city. 

“Given that multiple warnings and advisories have been issued citywide, including the potential for significant coastal flooding in southern Queens, I urge all New Yorkers to take this storm seriously, stay updated through Notify NYC, and take necessary precautions,” he added.

A high wind warning will also be in effect for Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island starting Tuesday night with 30 to 40 mph winds and gusts up to 60 mph, according to New York City Emergency Management. 

Mayor Eric Adams encouraged residents to stay safe and remain informed about the forecast.

“Our city government is prepared to respond to whatever comes our way, but residents should also take the necessary precautions to stay safe and protect their belongings,” Adams said.

“I encourage all New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC to get the latest information and closely monitor the forecast as this storm approaches,” he added.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Monday issued a state of disaster emergency proclamation due to the significant winter storm impacting the state.

The proclamation will allow resources to be prepositioned across the state.

According to the news release, travelers are encouraged to avoid travel but if they must, to have a full tank of gas and an emergency kit.

The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings, winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories across Kansas on Monday. The Kansas Department of Transportation said Monday evening that parts of Interstate 70 were closed due to blizzard conditions.

Here's a roundup of the various cities expected to be affected by the storms today:

New Orleans

Houston

Des Moines

 Chicago

 Tampa

Atlanta

Charleston

New York

Washington, DC

Philadelphia