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Timeline: Severe weather threat expected in Florida this weekend
FOX 35 has declared Sunday, March 16 a Storm Alert Day due to the potential for strong or severe thunderstorms, torrential rain, and gusty winds. Here's what to know about the Sunday forecast, severe weather threat, and timeline.
ORLANDO, Fla. - There is the potential for severe weather across the southeastern parts of the United States over the next several days, including Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. On Sunday, that severe weather threat extends into north and central Florida.
FOX 35 has declared Sunday, March 16 a Storm Alert Day due to the potential for strong or severe thunderstorms, torrential rain, and gusty winds. Here's what to know about the Sunday forecast, severe weather threat, and timeline.
Sunday Forecast
What to expect:
The current weather forecast shows Sunday will be hot with afternoon highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. It will be breezy and dry for the first half of the day, but by mid-afternoon, showers and storms will be on the increase.
Timeline: Here's when the severe weather arrives in Central Florida
The timeline for the severe weather threat will be late Sunday afternoon and evening, potentially lingering into the early parts of Monday morning.
- Gainesville: Early afternoon
- Orlando: Late afternoon
- Kissimmee: Evening
Currently, the storms are expected to not impact the Monday morning rush hour. Though, the forecast will firm up in the days ahead.
What are the main weather threats?
In Central Florida, the main weather threats from strong or severe storms would be damaging winds, the risk of a few tornadoes, flash flooding and hail.
Tornado threat: How likely?
FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Brooks Garner said as the system moves into Central Florida, the tornado threat will move with it. The graphics below show a general timeline of when the biggest tornado threat will reach each region in the state.
"Winds will veer with altitude, from southerly at the ground level to westerly at jet stream level, producing a rotation in the column of air from ground to 30,000ft. This means any thunderstorms entering the region of orange could spin. This means a few tornadoes are possible," Brooks said, noting that these would likely not be the large tornadoes often seen in the middle of the country. However, any tornado can be damaging and threaten life, property, and homes.
Tornado watch vs. tornado warning: What is the difference?
Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that typically extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. They can form anywhere, anytime, and can reach wind speeds of up to 200 mph, enough to damage houses and buildings, flip cars, and turn everyday debris into deadly missiles.
Tornado watch: A tornado watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are POSSIBLE in and near the watch area. This does not mean that a tornado will occur. It just means it's possible, per National Weather Service.
Tornado warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is IMMINENT. If a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Where is the safest place in your home during a tornado?
If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter right away. Find the most interior room in your house or building, such as a closet, bathroom, or another room. Stay away from windows and doors. If outside, get inside right away.
Tornado safety tips: Here's what to do
- Stay informed: Watch FOX 35 on TV or in the FOX Local app (available on cell phones and streaming apps) for the latest weather forecast, weather alerts, and severe weather alerts. Visit FOX35Orlando.com for the latest weather forecast and to view live radar.
- Turn on notifications: Keep emergency notifications and FOX 35 alerts on and active.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team on March 14, 2025.