The Atmore area is under an enhanced risk of severe weather, which will impact the area tomorrow afternoon and night, according to officials.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Lead Forecaster John Purdy said in an email to Escambia County EMA Director David Adams that severe storms and local heavy rainfall are still expected in the region tomorrow.

Purdy said the enhanced risk area includes west of Greenville to the Navarre Beach, Fla. line. A slight risk for severe weather is expected to the east of this line, he said.

“A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is now expected to reach our southeast Mississippi counties around mid Thursday afternoon, before moving eastward across the remainder of the area Thursday evening and overnight,” Purdy said. “The line still appears to exit to the east of our area around 4 am early Friday morning.”

Purdy said rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches with local higher totals up to 4 inches will also be possible with the system.

“While the system will be progressive in nature, locally heavy rainfall in a short period of time could contribute to urban or minor flooding across much of the area,” he said. “Some area rivers are expected to reach (or are already experiencing) minor flooding.”

 

Here are the latest details on the storm system:

Thursday Afternoon through Thursday Night

• What:  Damaging wind gusts and tornadoes possible.  A strong tornado cannot be ruled out, especially in the Enhanced Riskarea.
• Where:Enhanced Risk over locations roughly west of a Greenville, AL to Navarre Beach, FL line.  Slight Risk over the rest of the area.
• When: Mid Thursday afternoon through Thursday night.