ORLANDO, Fla. – Thursday has been designated a Weather Alert Day all across Central Florida, with one of the biggest hazard being damaging straight-line winds.
The front associated with the severe weather outbreak across the Deep South will continue its track east, increasing rain and storms by the afternoon. Models show the line of storms approaching northern counties by lunchtime, sliding over I-4 by 3 p.m. and exiting southern counties before sundown.
Rain chances will range from a 60-80% with a slight to marginal risk for strong to severe storms.
Even before the front arrives, strong winds will already be present, with sustained winds of 20-30 mph. A wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as gusts could peak to 40 mph. Even stronger wind gusts could be possible embedded within the line of storms Thursday afternoon.
Strong to severe storms will be capable of producing heavy downpours, lightning, small hail and even a brief weak tornado.
Here’s what triggers a Weather Alert Day from News 6.
- Widespread severe thunderstorms containing large hail, damaging wind or the possibility of tornadoes. These storms will also contain torrential rain and lightning
- Heavy rain that could cause flooding
- Excessive heat that could be dangerous to your health if outdoors for an extended period of time
- Extreme cold that could be dangerous to you or your pets
- Extreme cold that could damage plumbing or kill plants and crops
- Impacts from a tropical system
- Strong non-thunderstorm winds that could cause damage or power outages
- Fog so thick and widespread that it is dangerous to drive
The front is forecast to clear the area by Thursday evening, with drier and cooler weather settling in for the weekend.
Friday through Sunday, expect highs to remain near normal in the low 80s under mostly sunny skies.