Landspout, 50 MPH Winds Possible: Seek Shelter in Affected Areas

A Special Weather Statement has been issued for portions of North Central Florida, warning of a strong thunderstorm capable of producing a landspout and wind gusts up to 50 mph. Residents in the affected areas are advised to seek shelter indoors.

The National Weather Service Jacksonville FL issued the statement today, October 9, 2026, at 4:12 PM EDT. The alert is effective immediately and expires at 4:45 PM EDT.

Doppler radar indicates a strong thunderstorm near Archer, or 9 miles north of Bronson, moving northwest at 25 mph. This storm poses a hazard of landspouts and wind gusts up to 50 mph, which could cause minor damage to outdoor objects. Gusty winds may knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured items.

Areas impacted include Suwannee, Union, Bradford, Gilchrist, Eastern Alachua, Western Alachua, Central Marion, Western Marion, Southeastern Columbia, and Southwestern Columbia counties. Specific locations include Gainesville, Trenton, Lake Butler, Bell, Worthington Spring, Ichetucknee Spring, Alachua, High Springs, Archer, and Fort White.

If you are outdoors in these areas, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Torrential rainfall is also accompanying this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.