Tornado Watch issued for Okaloosa, Santa Rosa counties and Pensacola Bay area

The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a Tornado Watch for Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, and surrounding coastal waters including the Pensacola Bay area, effective as of Friday afternoon.

The watch covers coastal waters from the Okaloosa-Walton County line to Pensacola, extending 20 nautical miles offshore, as well as Eastern Choctawhatchee Bay and the immediate Pensacola Bay area. Residents and mariners in the affected zones should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to seek shelter if conditions worsen.

A Tornado Watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for tornado development, though a tornado is not imminent. The National Weather Service recommends staying weather-aware, having multiple ways to receive alerts, and reviewing tornado safety procedures, especially for those in mobile homes or on the water.