FIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY: Duval schools cancels some after-school activities

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Action News Jax First Alert Weather Team has declared a First Alert Weather Day due to a strong cold front bringing heavy rain to our area.

This alert is in effect from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

UPDATE 12:46 p.m.- Duval County Public Schools has made the following changes to after-school activities due to “expected severe weather:”

Athletics

• Practices: All athletic practices are canceled.
• Games and competitions: Players and families should check with their coach to determine if the event will be played or canceled.

Afterschool programs such as extended day and Team Up

• These programs will continue as normal with all activities moved inside.

Drivers Education

• Drivers education classes are cancelled.

Community Education

• All outdoor community education programs are cancelled.

UPDATE 10:59 a.m.- The National Weather Service is reporting that one person was injured in Lake City after a tree fell on a mobile home. According to the State Watch Office, the incident happened during a thunderstorm at around 10:18 a.m. The victim only suffered minor injuries.

UPDATE 10:51 a.m.- A Tornado Watch has been issued for the rest of Northeast Florida. Action News Jax’s First Alert Weather Team says most counties will be out of the watch by 5 p.m.

UPDATE 5:56 a.m.- A Tornado Watch has been issued for all of Southeast Georgia, Baker and Columbia counties until 1 p.m.

First Alert Meteorologist Garrett Bedenbaugh said the strong cold front will arrive later Wednesday morning right after the heart of the morning commute.

WATCH THE FORECAST | DOWNLOAD THE APPS

The potential for heavy downpours and rain amounts to 0.5 to 1.5 inches across our area, but places with isolated showers could have even more.

There will also be embedded thunderstorms, and a few could be strong or severe with gusty winds of 40 to 60 miles per hour, heavy rain, lightning, small hail and an isolated tornado.

Follow Action News Jax Meteorologists on Twitter for updates:

Mike Buresh | Garrett Bedenbaugh | Corey Simma | Trevor Gibbs

Rain and storms will push from northwest to southeast, clearing the region by the early afternoon. Based on the latest forecast, the storm arrival times should be as follows:

• Waycross to Lake City: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
• Brunswick to Macclenny: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
• Jacksonville to Middleburg: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
• St. Augustine to Palatka: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Rain will gradually clear out later in the afternoon with dry and chilly weather into Thursday morning.

Action News Jax’s First Alert Weather Team will continue to monitor the forecast and will bring you updates throughout the day.

LISTEN: Mike Buresh ‘All the Weather, All the Time’ Podcast

Here’s a look at your First Alert 7-Day Forecast:

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, breezy, showers/storms ending by the afternoon. HIGH: 77

TONIGHT: Clearing sky. Low: 50 (40s well inland)

INTERACTIVE RADAR: Keep track of the rain as it moves through your neighborhood

THURSDAY: Sunny and cooler. Breezy. High 70/Low 50

FRIDAY: Cool morning, sunny. High 71/Low 44

SATURDAY: Sunny. High 70/Low 45

SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. High 74/Low 43

MONDAY: Partly sunny. High 78/Low 50

TUESDAY: Partly sunny. High 81/Low 59

First Alert 7 Day Forecast: April 3, 2024 First Alert 7 Day Forecast

SHARE WITH US: Send us photos of the weather you’re seeing in your area