National Weather Service issued a multi-county severe thunderstorm watch for 15 Florida counties until 10:00 PM EDT on July 29, 2026, and was followed by a focused severe thunderstorm warning for Flagler County that remained active into the morning of July 30, 2026. Last update: July 30, 2026.
The watch signaled that severe storms were possible across the listed counties, while the later warning indicated that a specific storm cell presented an immediate threat to life and property in Flagler Beach and nearby areas. These developments matter because the watch covered an extended area including populated coastal and inland communities, and the warning identified a storm with damaging wind gusts and torrential rainfall that could produce flash flooding and structural damage.
Counties covered by the initial watch and expected hazards
The initial severe thunderstorm watch covered Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union counties until 10:00 PM EDT on July 29, 2026. The watch advised that storms in the area could produce damaging winds, large hail, and possibly isolated tornadoes, prompting residents to monitor updates from official channels and secure loose outdoor objects. The alert emphasized that conditions could change rapidly and recommended moving indoors to a sturdy building if storms developed.
Flagler County warning: timing, motion and impacts
A subsequent severe thunderstorm warning specifically targeted Flagler County and remained in effect until 11:15 AM EDT on July 30, 2026, covering Flagler Beach and adjacent areas. The warned storm was moving southeast at approximately 20 mph and was capable of producing wind gusts near 60 mph, which can damage roofs, siding, and down trees. The warning also noted continuous cloud-to-ground lightning and torrential rainfall with potential for flash flooding; motorists were advised not to drive through flooded roadways and residents were urged to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of buildings.
Safety guidance and emergency response
Emergency guidance issued alongside the alerts recommended staying informed via official bulletins and contacting emergency services if needed by dialing 911. The warnings instructed residents to avoid windows, secure loose objects that could become projectiles, and seek immediate shelter due to the presence of frequent lightning and damaging winds. Authorities continued to monitor the situation and advised that updates could follow as storms evolved through the watch and warning periods.
