Central Florida Weather Impact Day on the way: What to know, how to prepare | FOX 35 Orlando

Central Florida Weather Impact Day on the way: What to know, how to prepare

Due to unsettled weather with a high chance of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning across Central Florida, the FOX 35 Storm Team has designated Sunday as a Weather Impact Day. 

Here's everything you need to know and what to do to prepare. 

What is bringing the storms to Central Florida?

What we know:

With the taste of summer weather we get this weekend also comes the afternoon thunderstorms we usually see in July and August. 

To end the weekend, sea breeze thunderstorms will start to blossom across the Central Peninsula, with an 80% chance of heavy afternoon rain and storms. One or two of these storms could be on the strong side. 

A widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across Central Florida, which is sorely needed. 

When is the bad weather expected to start?

Timeline:

Sunday morning looks to be OK for outdoor activities, with temperatures warming up quickly and humid conditions. 

Early afternoon is when these storms are expected to start to pop up. Here's a look at the forecast timeline:

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Through the afternoon, these storms will become much more widespread. The sea breeze thunderstorms will start to blossom across the Central Peninsula with an 80% chance of heavy afternoon rain and storms. One or two could be on the strong side, as we are at a marginal risk of severe weather (level 1 out of 5).

The main storm impacts are expected between noon and 8 p.m.

The storms will finally start to quiet down heading into Sunday night. Partly-cloudy skies and a few lingering rain showers are forecast, with lows in the upper 60s.

A cold front then looks to approach the region on Monday, and that could bring more isolated showers and storms.

What impacts should residents expect from the storms?

Why you should care:

Central Florida residents should expect heavy downpours and frequent lightning during the storms. Gusty winds are also a threat, as well as small hail with stronger storms.

Wind gusts could be between 45-55 mph as the storms pick up.

Because these storms will be developing quickly, due to the sea breeze creating lift, there will be a lot of lightning, as well as very heavy downpours at times.

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There is a wide range of rain totals expected, from just a sprinkle to 4 inches in some areas. 

The rain could cause localized flooding, because we have been seeing significant drought conditions across Central Florida. 

And, although the chance is very low, there is the ever-so-slight possibility of a very brief tornado.

Orlando 7-Day Weather Forecast

FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar and Live Weather Cameras

Track live when storms move across your area using the FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar below. You can also watch as heavy rain moves across Central Florida on our Live Weather Cameras' page here

More radar maps from FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team.

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