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Tornado watch issued for Central Florida counties as strong storms expected

Cooler air to arrive in Orlando area behind strong front

ORLANDO, Fla. – A cold front will slide south through Central Florida on Wednesday, bringing strong storms and the threat of severe weather.

A tornado watch has been issued for Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties until 5 p.m.

The watch for Flagler and Marion counties has been canceled.

Gusty winds will pick up out of the southwest at 20-25 mph, with gusts reaching 40 mph. A wind advisory is in effect for all of east Central Florida through Wednesday evening.

Wind Advisory - April 3, 2024

The anticipated line of strong to severe storms is forecast to enter northern portions of Central Florida starting by late morning and spreading south into the early evening. Coverage remains high at 70-90%, with a risk for some storms to turn severe.

Forecast Models - April 3, 2024

The Storm Prediction Center has outlined most of east Central Florida in a slight risk (level 2/5) for severe weather.

Storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, lightning, 1-inch hail and heavy rain. Overall, rainfall models show accumulations up to 1.5 inches through the evening.

Severe WX Risk - April 3, 2024

A few lingering showers will pass through the area later in the evening and into the overnight, with lows remaining mild in the 60s.

Once the front clears, drier and cooler weather settles in, with highs remaining below average -- in the mid-70s. The pleasant conditions will stretch into the weekend, with highs holding in the 70s through Sunday.