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

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for Lee County, including Leesburg, by the National Weather Service (NWS) Tallahassee FL, effective today, October 9, at 11:05 AM EDT. Tropical storm-force winds are expected within the next 36 hours. This warning expires at 7:15 PM UTC today.

Residents should immediately plan for hazardous wind, with peak gusts up to 45 mph possible. Protect property now and complete all preparations before winds become hazardous. Potential impacts include damage to lightweight structures, broken tree limbs, and scattered power outages.

A Flood Watch is also in effect, with an additional 3-6 inches of rain expected, leading to potential moderate flooding. Evacuations and rescues are possible; heed all flood watches and warnings. Rivers may swell, and low-lying areas could experience rapid inundation.

Furthermore, the situation is favorable for several tornadoes, with a few possibly intense. Those in manufactured homes or on boats should relocate to safe shelters. Listen for tornado watches and warnings and be ready to shelter quickly if a warning is issued. Significant impacts from tornadoes could include widespread damage and power loss. For more information, visit NWS Tallahassee or Georgia Emergency Management Agency.