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Severe thunderstorms, tornado watch issued for all of central Florida

CENTRAL FLORIDA — All of central Florida is under a tornado watch and Severe Weather Center 9 is fully staffed to monitor storms and bring you up-to-date information.

"Winter months can be busy ones for tornadoes in Florida, so we're monitoring all the activity very closely," said chief meteorologist Tom Terry.

According to WFTV meteorologist Brian Shields, a vigorous line of rain and storms is approaching central Florida and will move across from west to east.

Shields said, "In this line, we can expect gusty winds and even an isolated tornado.  Also, be on the lookout for lots of lightning."

By late evening, the storms will be moving away, and then cooler weather will start to arrive, said Shields.

Officials at the weather service said isolated tornadoes are possible, as well as wind gusts of 60-plus miles per hour.