Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Columbia, Suwannee, and Hamilton Counties
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of northern Florida, including Lake City, as 60 mph wind gusts and potential tornadoes threaten the region.
Alert Details
Type: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Issued by: National Weather Service Jacksonville FL
Effective: February 15, 2026, at 3:47 PM EST until 4:15 PM EST
Affected Areas
The warning covers several regions in northern Florida, specifically:
- Central Columbia County
- Southern Suwannee County
- Southeastern Hamilton County
Impacted locations include Lake City, White Springs, Columbia, Wellborn, Five Points, Watertown, Winfield, Suwannee Valley, Obrien, and Mcalpin.
What You Should Do
For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Residents should remain alert for a possible tornado, as they can develop quickly from severe thunderstorms. If you spot a tornado, go at once to a basement or a small central room in a sturdy structure.
Expected Conditions
- Wind: Radar indicates wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
- Hail: Potential for hail up to .75 inches.
- Impacts: Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
- Storm Movement: At 3:47 PM EST, a severe thunderstorm was located near Obrien (8 miles east of Mayo), moving northeast at 50 mph.
Timeline
The Severe Thunderstorm Warning is effective until 4:15 PM EST. Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains in effect for northern Florida until 8:00 PM EST.
Source: NOAA Official Notice