HOLT, Fla., April 9, 2021—A significant severe weather event with potential for widespread damaging winds will impact much of the forecast area tonight.

Instances of large hail and a few tornadoes are possible, according to the National Weather Service.

A large area of thunderstorms is expected to develop over inland southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama by late tonight eventually evolving into a significant squall line.

Confidence is high this intense, well-organized squall line will move into the western portion of the region sometime after midnight and quickly track east across the forecast area between 4 and 11 a.m., according to the NWS.

There is increased concerns for a widespread and significant wind damage threat late tonight into Saturday morning. Damaging winds up to 80 mph remains the primary threat.

Additionally, the tornado threat has increased for southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama. However, the potential for large hail and tornadoes will be possible with any storm that develops out ahead of this squall line and/or embedded within the line.

The squall line should exit south and east of our area by around 11 a.m. Saturday morning. 

A swath of light-to-moderate rain may linger for a few hours behind the line before rain chances gradually decrease, according to the NWS.