Tornado Watch Issued for Escambia County Until 6 AM
Northwest Florida’s Escambia County remains under a tornado watch until 6 a.m. as severe weather conditions persist across the region.
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA — A tornado watch remained in effect for Escambia County until 6 a.m. CDT Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama.
Tornado Watch 189 was issued at 1:59 a.m. CDT on May 7 and includes northwest Florida’s Escambia County along with portions of Alabama and Mississippi. The watch covers an area where atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.
Areas Under Watch
In Florida, only Escambia County falls under the tornado watch. The broader warning system encompasses 15 counties across three states, including 10 counties in Alabama and 4 counties in Mississippi.
Alabama counties under the watch include Butler, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Escambia, Monroe, Baldwin, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington. The Mississippi counties affected are George, Greene, Perry, and Stone.
Cities and Communities Affected
The tornado watch covers numerous cities and communities throughout the region. In Florida, Pensacola is the primary population center under the watch, along with smaller communities including Bellview, Ferry Pass, and Myrtle Grove.
Other cities under the watch include Andalusia, Atmore, Bay Minette, Beaumont, Brantley, Brent, Brewton, Chatom, Daphne, Ensley, Evergreen, Flomaton, Greenville, Grove Hill, Gulf Shores, Homewood, Jackson, Leakesville, Lucedale, Luverne, McLain, Millry, Mobile, Monroeville, New Augusta, Opp, Prichard, Richton, Saraland, Thomasville, Tillmans Corner, and Wiggins.
Safety Precautions
A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather, including tornadoes. Residents in the affected areas should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
The National Weather Service advises people to have a plan for seeking shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows, and to stay informed through weather radio, local news, or weather apps. Mobile homes and vehicles are not safe places to shelter during tornado warnings.
The tornado watch is scheduled to expire at 6 a.m. CDT, though conditions will continue to be monitored by meteorologists throughout the early morning hours.
