Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Lee County: Prepare for Severe Impacts

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Lee County, effective immediately as of October 9 at 5:05 PM EDT, by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee. Residents in and around Leesburg should finalize preparations as hazardous conditions are expected.

Strong winds are forecast to reach 15-25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph, with a potential for sustained winds of 39 to 57 mph. Damage to outdoor structures and unanchored mobile homes is possible, along with downed tree limbs and scattered power outages. Efforts to protect property should be underway now, and preparations must be completed before winds become hazardous.

A Flood Watch is in effect, with an additional 3-6 inches of rain expected, and locally higher amounts possible. This presents a potential for major flooding, which may necessitate evacuations and rescues. Heed all flood watches and warnings; failure to take action could result in serious injury or loss of life. Emergency plans should account for major rainfall flooding, and protective actions are strongly advised for those in flood-vulnerable areas.

The NWS also indicates a favorable situation for several tornadoes, some potentially intense. Residents in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to a safe shelter before hazardous weather arrives. Listen for tornado watches and warnings, and be prepared to shelter quickly if a warning is issued. Tornadoes can cause significant damage, power loss, and communications failures, hindering emergency efforts.

This Tropical Storm Warning is valid until October 10 at 1:15 AM UTC. For the latest local weather conditions and forecasts, visit weather.gov/tallahassee. Additional information is available from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency at ready.ga.gov.