ORLANDO, Fla. – A strong spring front that has spawn several tornadoes and snow storms across the country made its way to Central Florida by Wednesday afternoon.
A line of rain and storms will have the potential to turn severe as it tracks over the area, prompting the Storm Prediction Center to highlight most of the area as a slight risk (level 2/5) as some storms could cause damage to life and property.
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.
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.
Due to the severe nature of this system, the News6 Weather Team has designated Wednesday as a Weather Alert Day for all of Central Florida.
STORM TIMELINE
12-2 p.m.: A line of scattered showers and storms will approach northern counties, including Marion, Flagler, northern Volusia, Lake and Sumter.
2-4 p.m.: Strong storms track toward neighborhoods around the I-4 corridor, including Seminole, Orange and southern Volusia counties.
4-6 p.m.: As the main line of storms slides further south into Osceola and Brevard counties, models begin picking up a gradual weakening trend. Storms could be strong but not as severe as earlier in the day.
Lingering showers will be possible across east Central Florida into the evening, with the final line of showers finally crossing into the area by 10-11 p.m.
Once the front clears, much cooler and drier air settles in, with highs Thursday afternoon running in the mid-70s.