ORLANDO, Fla. – Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued Friday morning by the National Weather Service for areas including Marion and Flagler counties but have since expired.
No damage has been reported in Central Florida, but the Panhandle and Jacksonville areas were hit hard.
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More storms are possible later Friday.
ORIGINAL FORECAST
Changes are coming to Central Florida, bringing an end to the springtime heat wave, as a front sweeps through the area early Saturday morning.
Before the storms arrive, we will see another hot afternoon with highs soaring back above average into the mid 90s and a heat index near 100 degrees. Adding to the mix in the afternoon will be the breeze, picking up out of the southwest at 15-20 mph.
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The combination of hot, dry and breezy weather will increase our fire sensitivity as any spark could start a fire.
By Friday afternoon, one or two strong to severe storms will be possible ahead of a cold front. Several pulses of energy will slide into northern counties (Flagler, Marion, Volusia) early in the afternoon, producing heavy rain and a few storms.
The threat for strong to severe storms will exist with the capability of producing gusty winds at 40-60 mph, small hail and downpours.
The News 6 weather team has declared Friday a Weather Alert Day for this reason, later deeming it an Inconvenient Weather Day as conditions improved.
The threat shifts further south late Friday night and into early Saturday morning as the cold front approaches the area.
The front is forecast to clear by Saturday afternoon, with highs staying closer to normal — in the upper 80s to near 90 degrees — while Mother’s Day looks to be the coolest and driest day in the outlook.
By early next week, a much more active and unsettled weather pattern sets up over Central Florida, with coverage increasing to 40-60% most afternoons.