Headline:
Special Weather Statement issued August 18 at 7:02PM EDT by NWS Jacksonville FL
Event:
Special Weather Statement
Urgency:
Expected
Effective:
August 18, 2026 - 4:02pm
Expires:
August 18, 2026 - 4:30pm
Description:
At 702 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Providence to near
Melrose. Movement was south at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph, pea size hail, excessive
cloud-to-ground lightning, and minor flooding due to heavy
rainfall.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible. Minor flooding due to heavy rainfall is possible.
Excessive cloud-to-ground lightning is occurring.
Locations impacted include...
Gainesville, Ocala, Starke, Rainbow Lakes Estates, Lake Butler,
Keystone Heights, Melrose, Worthington Spring, Citra, and Alachua.
Instruction:
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
Area Description:
Union; Bradford; Eastern Alachua; Western Clay; Western Alachua; Western Putnam; Central Marion; Western Marion; Southeastern Columbia; Southwestern Columbia
Forcast Office:
NWS Jacksonville FL
Sender:
w-nws.webmaster@noaa.gov