2 dead, 3 hurt in Florida Panhandle storms, possible tornado

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. — Two people are dead and three others are hurt after storms and a possible tornado ripped through the Florida Panhandle Thursday morning, the First Alert Weather Team confirms.

The tornado has not officially been confirmed. The storm report was made by an emergency manager at 4:14 a.m. CDT in Washington County.

At least two homes were destroyed — one on Gilbert Mill Road — the other on Jewell Road.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office shared photos of the aftermath on social media.

PHOTOS: 2 dead, 3 hurt after possible tornado touches down in Florida Panhandle

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Florida Panhandle storms, possible tornado Two people are dead and three others are hurt after storms and a possible tornado ripped through the Florida Panhandle Thursday morning, the First Alert Weather Team confirms. (Washington County Sheriff's Office)

This same storm system is making its way to the Jacksonville area.

In anticipation of some heavy afternoon showers and thunderstorms, Chief Meteorologist Mike Buresh has declared Thursday a “First Alert Weather Day.”

Buresh is tracking a strong cold front that has already produced severe weather, damaging winds, and tornadoes in the Deep South. Expect gusty winds of up to 30 mph at times ahead of the rain and storms.

This morning you’ll run into those storms going west on I-10 approaching the Panhandle or heading north on I-75 into Georgia and then they will make their way eastward through the afternoon.

All areas will get some rain today and the primary threat is damaging winds, but an isolated brief tornado is not completely out of the picture.

The rain clears out and temperatures will fall for Friday.

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