ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 declared a Weather Alert Day for Tuesday due to the potential for severe weather later in the afternoon and evening.
All tornado warnings and watches have been allowed to expire.
The northern half of Central Florida was placed in a level 3, enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms by the Storm Prediction Center.
The southern half was in a slight risk, level 2 out of 5 on the SPC’s severe weather scale.
Impacts
The main threats with a fast-moving – but intense line of storms – was damaging winds, but a few tornadoes were possible.
In terms of wind, the storms could be more intense than the “garden-variety” severe thunderstorms that roll through Central Florida. Wind gusts have the potential to top 74mph in the strongest storms.
The highest chance for this to happen is northwest of I-4 in the red and “hatched” area above.
The main strong tornado threat will focus on the Panhandle of Florida Tuesday, however, there will be a chance for a few tornadoes given the favorable environment. A strong tornado also cannot be ruled out across Central Florida.
Forecast rotation tracks suggest a few rotating storms along the leading edge of the line of storms.
Rotating storms have a chance to produce tornadoes.
Morning
A few, likely non-severe, thunderstorms will be possible early in the morning.
Expect wind gusts to ramp ahead of the main line of storms. Winds, without thunderstorms, will be sustained around 20-30mph. Gusts could top 40mph through the afternoon. A wind advisory is in effect for all of Central Florida.
Afternoon
Storms will approach Marion and Flagler counties after 2 p.m.
The line of storms will quickly push southeast and be near the I-4 corridor in the 4-6 p.m. ballpark.
Evening
Storms will move southeast of Orlando later in the evening before exiting the area completely by 8-10 p.m.
Bottom Line
There is a higher-than-usual threat for severe weather across Central Florida Tuesday.
Due to the high-end straight-line wind potential in the storms, any severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service should be treated like a tornado warning.
In the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning you should get to the lowest level of your home and put as many walls in between you and the outside as possible. Keep a bike helmet nearby so you can protect your head.
If you live in a mobile home, exit immediately if a warning is issued and find a shelter or sturdy building.
Download the FREE Pinpoint Weather App to track storms and receive any alerts issued.
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