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The Covington County Emergency Management Agency is tracking a severe weather system expected to move into the area Wednesday afternoon and into the night hours.

As of Tuesday, the risk of severe weather was upgraded to “enhanced” for the area west of Covington County, including portions of Escambia County and western Florida panhandle. Covington County is just outside of that area, but is listed as having a “slight” chance for severe storms.

The timeframe for severe thunderstorms is expected to be Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night with the possibility there may be a few strong to severe storms late Wednesday morning. Some lingering strong storms could also travel across part of the western Florida panhandle until after midnight Wednesday and into the early predawn hours of Thursday morning.

The storm will bring a potential for damaging winds and tornadoes. The greatest threat for tornadoes is for the coast during the evening hours. Localized heavy rainfall is also possible.

EMA officials ask residents to be weather aware and listen for warning notifications.