Hammer down weather report 2026-08-20 17:01:02

🚨 **Tornado warnings are in effect:**
• **Baldwin County, Alabama:** A confirmed tornado was moving northeast toward Bay Minette at 15 mph; warning expires **4:45 PM CDT**.
• **Lancaster County, Pennsylvania:** Tornado-capable storm near Akron moving northeast at 30 mph, affecting Ephrata and nearby communities; expires **5:15 PM EDT**. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is affected from mile markers 280–286.
• **Atlantic County, New Jersey:** Tornado-capable storm near English Creek moving northeast at 20 mph, affecting Pleasantville, Northfield, Estell Manor and Linwood; expires **5:15 PM EDT**.
**Do not try to drive through a tornado warning—seek sturdy shelter immediately and check NWS updates for the latest information.**

⛈️ **Severe driving hazards elsewhere:**
• **Southeastern PA/northern DE:** Destructive storms moving east at 35–40 mph may produce **70–80 mph wind gusts** through Chester County, including West Chester, Coatesville and Downingtown, through 5:30–5:45 PM EDT. Strong winds and fallen trees may block roads. I-83 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lancaster/York counties are also affected by 60 mph winds and torrential rain.
• **Southwest Alabama:** Severe storms with 60 mph winds affect the Mobile area, including I-65 and I-165, through 4:30 PM CDT; another storm near Mobile Regional Airport continues through 4:45 PM CDT.
• **Mississippi:** Severe storms with 60 mph winds and quarter-size hail affect areas near Magee, Collins, Prentiss, Pontotoc and Ecru. I-22 between mile markers 70–79 is included. Flash flooding is possible in western Lee and northern Pontotoc counties after 2–3 inches of rain.
• **Florida:** Numerous severe storms with 60 mph winds, hail and torrential rain affect north and central Florida, including Gainesville, Lake Butler, Green Cove Springs, Palm Bay and the St. Augustine Beach area. Road flooding is possible in low-lying areas; several flood advisories continue into this evening.
• **Virginia:** Flash flooding threatens Chesapeake, Norfolk and northern Virginia Beach through **7:30 PM EDT**, with rain rates near **2 inches in 30 minutes**. Streets, underpasses and poor-drainage roads may flood.
• **Nebraska:** Severe storms with 60 mph winds and large hail affect east-central Cherry County and nearby rural areas; Highway 20 is affected between mile markers 225–231.
• **Ohio:** River flooding may affect Route 669 above Malta and Route 60 above McConnelsville through tonight; flooding also continues near Miamitown.
• **Illinois:** Minor Illinois River flooding continues near Havana and Beardstown; use caution on roads near river lowlands.

Never drive through flooded roads, slow down for heavy rain and reduced visibility, and avoid travel where trees or power lines may be down. Submit weather or road reports at **888-IS-4TIPS (888-474-8477)**, **HammerDownHeadlines.com**, or **HammerDownNews.com**. Check local conditions before traveling.