JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sunday, March 16, 2025, has been declared a First Alert Weather Day as residents of Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida brace for severe storms expected to roll through the area. A tornado watch was issued at 8:21 AM by the National Weather Service, predicting damaging winds of 50-70 mph and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
The storm system is anticipated to bring heavy rain and gusty winds starting this morning. First, the downpours will reach Southeast Georgia by sunrise before making their way southward, hitting Northeast Florida around noon. Weather forecasts indicate the storms will track eastward, impacting areas such as Waycross to Lake City between 10 AM and noon and reaching Brunswick to Western Duval to Starke from 1 PM to 3 PM. Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustine can expect storm activity from 2 PM to 4 PM. An isolated severe storm is likely, with peak wind gusts potentially hitting between 50-70 mph.
The PGA Tour announced earlier today it would move up tee times for the final round of The Players Championship due to predictions of severe weather. Golfers will start teeing off between 8 AM and 10:01 AM, utilizing both the No. 1 and No. 10 tees. Coverage will begin on the Golf Channel at 10 AM, transitioning to NBC at noon.
PGA Tour meteorologist Wade Stettner suggested there is a 70 percent chance of thunderstorms arriving “most likely between 3 PM and 5 PM.” Reports indicate even before the storms, winds could gust near 30 miles per hour. The safety of players and fans is at the forefront, prompting these changes to prevent dangerous conditions during play.
Residents have been advised to stay alert. The National Weather Service cautioned, “be sure to have an escape plan if you plan to be outdoors when lightning flares up around 2-5 PM,” and warned about intense gusts accompanying the storm.
Local meteorologists have described this system as moving quickly, which will help minimize flooding and rainfall accumulation, yet heavy downpours and strong winds are still expected. Additional concerns include hail and the isolation of severe storms. Storms should move offshore by sunset, leaving behind cooler temperatures for Monday, March 17, when highs are forecasted to remain only in the upper 60s.
People across the region reacted with caution, stocking up on supplies and monitoring weather updates, particularly with the impending storm's intensity. A local resident observed, “We’ve experienced wild weather before, but the uncertainty always makes people uneasy.”
If the weather necessitates rescheduling The Players Championship, officials reported plans to shift play to Monday, March 17. Early forecasts suggest the weather will clear by then, but conditions remain cool and breezy.
With the tension mounting for both sports fans and residents alike, the coming hours will be pivotal as communities prepare for the stormy weather forecasted for the day. Conditions are expected to sharply change by the evening, as temperatures will drop significantly with projections for the lows to settle around 51 degrees for Sunday night.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops throughout the day, and follow local weather channels for the latest information. Preparations for the storm will be key, as safety remains the community's priority amid these severe weather warnings.