Orlando weather: Severe storms may bring damaging winds, heavy rain, tornadoes to Central Florida

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Updated  January 8, 2024 9:50pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. - A strong line of storms could bring severe weather to much of Central Florida on Tuesday – including heavy rain, intense and damaging winds, frequent lightning, and the possibility of a tornado. 

FOX 35 has declared Tuesday a Storm Alert Day because of the severe weather threat. Below is what you need to know:

Dry start, but strong storms possible during afternoon and evening

Tuesday will start out windy, dry, and with temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s. However, Tuesday afternoon is when a large front is expected to move from the west to east, first impacting the Gainesville area and then expanding across much of Central Florida.

The biggest weather threats are damaging winds (some above 70 mph), heavy rain, frequent lightning, and the possibility of tornadoes. Make sure to download the FOX 35 News and FOX 35 Storm Team weather apps to receive up-to-the minute alerts.

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Orlando Weather: Severe storms possible Tuesday afternoon

FOX 35's Brooks Garner takes a look at the severe weather threat Tuesday afternoon across Central Florida. The biggest weather threats are damaging winds, severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes, as well as heavy rain.

Expected storm timeline

  • 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Gainesville and Cedar Key areas
  • 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Orlando metro / Central Florida
  • Dinner time | Storms could move through Brevard County and along Florida's eastern coast

View the gallery to see the latest severe storm threat, timeline, and forecast models.

Watch vs. Warning: Here's what you need to know ahead of severe weather

A thunderstorm watch, severe thunderstorm watch, or a tornado watch typically means that the weather conditions are conducive for such an event. Or in other words, that the ingredients for a severe thunderstorm or a tornado are available. This is a good time to prepare, secure loose items, such as outdoor furniture, and check on family, friends, and pets 

A thunderstorm warning, severe thunderstorm warning, or a tornado warning means the weather event is happening right now – and you should take action immediately. During a severe thunderstorm, get inside a sturdy building and away from windows. During a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately, stay away from windows, and find the innermost room or the one lowest to the ground.

School closures

  • Marion County Public Schools has closed schools on Tuesday due to the severe storm threat.
  • Osceola County Schools will have school on Tuesday, but has canceled all after-school activities. Extended Day and 21st Century programs go on as scheduled, the district said.

Florida Storm Tracker - Radar Weather Maps

You can track the storms with us. Head over to FOX35Orlando.com/weather or visit the "FOX 35 Storm Tracker Weather Radar & Maps" section in the FOX 35 News app to see updated radar maps for several Central Florida counties.

More radar maps from FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar

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