More than 1,600 people in southern Georgia were told to take shelter immediately after the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Jacksonville, Florida, issued a severe thunderstorm warning on Tuesday afternoon.

Why It Matters

Fast-moving severe weather can leave residents with only minutes to protect themselves, underscoring the importance of timely alerts and prompt protective action.

Early Tuesday afternoon, communities in southeastern Georgia faced such a scenario when a severe thunderstorm warning was suddenly issued for Ware and Clinch counties. The warning highlighted the risks of 60 mph wind gusts, hail and frequent lightning, reminding those in the storm’s path that immediate precautions could help prevent injuries and property damage.

What To Know

NWS meteorologists issued a severe thunderstorm warning at 2:46 p.m. EDT Tuesday. The warning covered west central Ware County and northeastern Clinch County in southeastern Georgia, remaining in effect until 3:30 p.m. EDT. At the time of the alert, a severe thunderstorm was detected by radar about seven miles south of Argyle, moving northeast at approximately 25 mph.

Meteorologists identified radar-indicated hazards, including strong wind gusts up to 60 mph. The storm also carried the threat of hail less than three-quarters of an inch in size and produced continuous cloud-to-ground lightning. Residents in Argyle and Manor were specifically named as being under threat.

The bulletin warned of potential damage to roofs, siding and trees. The NWS reminded people to move to interior rooms on the lowest floor of a building and emphasized the lethal risks associated with lightning: “If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”

The warning advised those outdoors, in mobile homes or vehicles to seek sturdy shelter immediately.

Although the storm warning has expired as of publication of this article, more thunderstorms are possible throughout the day and gusty winds still pose a hazard.

“The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property,” an alert from the Jacksonville office said. “Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, gusty winds are still possible with this thunderstorm.”

Shortly after the warning expired in Georgia, NWS Jacksonville warned of severe storms in northeastern Florida, including Nassau and Duval counties.

What People Are Saying

NWS meteorologist Paige Klingler told Newsweek: “We have thunderstorms across most of Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida right now. We have a couple special weather statements out that indicate strong winds are possible through the afternoon.”

Klingler added that the storms will move out of the region around sunset.

NWS Jacksonville in a severe thunderstorm warning: “Hail, damaging wind, and continuous cloud to ground lightning are occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.”

What Happens Next

As severe thunderstorms strike with minimal warning, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant for rapidly changing weather conditions and monitor updates from the NWS.

Although the initial warning for Ware and Clinch counties was set to expire at 3:30 p.m. EDT, thunderstorms of similar intensity or additional warnings could follow depending on the broader weather system’s evolution across the Southeast U.S.

Throughout the active summer months, such warnings can occur with little notice, reinforcing the need for quick access to shelter and ongoing awareness for those living in areas susceptible to severe storms, hail and dangerous winds.