The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team has issued a declaration of First Alert Weather Days for both Saturday and Sunday, indicating significant weather events that demand heightened attention from the public. While the primary focus will be on heavy rain and storms, the entire weekend is anticipated to be characterized by strong and potentially damaging winds.
The weather outlook for Saturday suggests a windy start with scattered showers expected through midday. As the day progresses, heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to move from south to north, intensifying during the afternoon into Saturday night. Rainfall coverage is expected to be widespread, reaching 100%, with periods of intense rain. Accumulations are projected to average between 2-4 inches, and some areas may receive more rainfall from this storm than the average for the entire month of December.
In addition to the heavy rainfall, the weekend will experience strong winds. Starting at speeds of 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph on Saturday morning, the winds will escalate further in the afternoon. The peak is anticipated Saturday night into early Sunday, with sustained winds of 40-50 mph and gusts reaching 50-60+ mph. Areas within or near thunderstorms may encounter winds exceeding 70 mph.
The weather system also poses a risk of isolated tornadoes and waterspouts from late Saturday through early Sunday. Due to saturated ground conditions, a week of strong onshore flow, and the additional heavy rain, flooding concerns are elevated. Flooding may become especially significant if the heaviest rain aligns with high tide.
While rain and storms are expected to subside by Sunday, strong and gusty winds will persist, shifting to the north and west with speeds of 20-30 mph and gusts surpassing 40 mph. Although the storm’s impact is expected to diminish by the time of the Jaguars’ game against the Ravens on Sunday evening, kickoff conditions may remain windy, with northwest winds at 15-30 mph, brief passing showers, and temperatures falling into the 50s.