Strong Thunderstorms Target North Florida with Damaging Winds, Hail
Thunderstorms with 50 mph winds and hail sweep across north-central Florida communities from the Gulf Coast to Gainesville area.
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA — Strong thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail moved across north-central Florida Thursday morning, prompting the National Weather Service to issue multiple special weather statements for areas from the Gulf Coast to inland counties.
The most severe system was tracked by Doppler radar at 11:15 a.m. along a line extending from 6 miles north of Andrews to near Horseshoe Point, according to the National Weather Service office in Tallahassee. The storms were moving southeast at 10 mph.
Affected Communities
The stronger storm system directly impacted Horseshoe Point, Suwannee, Horseshoe Beach, Shired Island, Old Town, Yellow Jacket, and Fanning Springs. Meteorologists warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects, while minor hail damage to vegetation was possible.
A separate thunderstorm tracked by the Jacksonville National Weather Service office was moving east at 40 mph near Andrews at 11:03 a.m., located about 7 miles west of Trenton. This system carried wind gusts around 40 mph.
Inland Areas Under Threat
The eastward-moving storm was forecast to impact Trenton, Bell, Alachua, High Springs, Archer, Fort White, Upland Pines, Providence, and Newberry. Officials warned residents in these communities to secure loose outdoor items and avoid areas with large trees during the storm’s passage.
Both weather statements emphasized that the primary threat came from radar-indicated wind gusts capable of causing property damage and power outages. The storms developed as part of a typical spring weather pattern affecting the southeastern United States.
Safety Precautions
Meteorologists advised residents to move indoors and away from windows during the storms’ passage. The combination of strong winds and small hail posed risks to vehicles, outdoor equipment, and landscaping in the affected areas.
The National Weather Service continued monitoring the storm systems as they progressed across the region. Residents were encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions through official weather alerts and local emergency management updates.
