Storm Alert in Tallahassee: What to Expect

A big storm warning came out for the Tallahassee area on Tuesday night, telling people in Leon and Wakulla counties to stay inside. The National Weather Service said the storm could bring winds up to 60 miles per hour and hail as big as three‑quarters of an inch. Meteorologists warned that the storm is moving east at about 45 miles per hour and that it could damage roofs, siding, trees, and even some local businesses. Earlier this week, a dramatic shelf cloud was seen over Ormond Beach on the east coast of Florida. A video captured by a local photographer showed the cloud hanging low and dark, hinting at bad weather ahead. While that image was beautiful, it also reminded people to watch for severe conditions.If you’re in a building during the storm, move to an interior room on the lowest floor. Stay away from windows and avoid using electrical devices or plumbing. Keep a battery‑powered weather radio handy in case the power goes out. Secure any loose outdoor items so they don’t become dangerous projectiles. Pets need special care too. Bring them inside, and make sure fences are tight so they don’t run away in the chaos. Lightning can strike several miles from a storm, so hearing thunder means you’re close enough to be in danger. The simple rule is: if you hear thunder, get indoors. Inside a house, stay off corded phones and computers that can connect you to the electrical grid. If you’re in a car, close all windows and stay inside until at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. A vehicle can act like a Faraday cage, protecting you from lightning. For the latest updates, sign up for text alerts so you can get warnings right on your phone. Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather.