Orlando weather: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for most of Central Florida Thursday
ORLANDO, Fla. - STORM ALERTS
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Flagler County until 5:15 p.m.Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for most of Central Florida until 10 p.m.
Biggest threats include ping-pong-sized hail, frequent lighting, and wind gusts up to 70 mph.
A severe thunderstorm watch means that conditions for severe storms are possible. A severe thunderstorm warning, however, means that a severe thunderstorm is happening and that people should seek shelter right away.
The timing on the storms will continue through 10 p.m. tonight, and should then push offshore during the overnight hours.
Orlando Weather Forecast: April 13, 2023
Thursday is a FOX 35 Storm Alert Day due to the potential for severe weather across Central Florida in the afternoon and evening. Meteorologist Allison Gargaro explains the timeline for when storms could hit, where, and the biggest threats, including lightning, hail, and strong wind.
Here are the potential threats we could see with these storms:
- heavy rain
- frequent lightning
- damaging wind gusts
- small hail
- an isolated tornado
Flagler, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard Counties are all under a severe thunderstorm watch.
Could these storms drop the same around of rain that hammered South Florida and Fort Lauderdale yesterday? The NWS said more than 20 inches of rain fell in parts of Fort Lauderdale, which caused significant flooding.
Man swims in Fort Lauderdale street after flash flooding
Photos and videos from South Florida show buildings, streets, and parking lots flooded by a torrential storm Wednesday. A Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, as nearly a foot of rain fell in just hours.
Here in Central Florida, the National Weather Service said these storms could produce as much as 2" of rain per hour, which could lead to some localized flooding.
Remember, never drive through flood streets or roadways. Turn around, don't drown. It only takes a small amount of water to hydroplane, and especially at night, you cannot tell what's in the water below.
For Friday, expect clear skies.
Afternoon highs will reach the upper-80s with a mix of sun & clouds. There is a 20% chance for a few passing showers, but they are not expected to be widespread.
Saturday is expected to be dry with highs in the 80s. Our next chance for rain is Sunday.