Enhanced thunderstorm activity in Central Florida; lightning, flooding

The typical afternoon thunderstorms have ignited a bit earlier this afternoon due to a cold front near Florida, as well as a trough adding more instability to the atmosphere.

Storms sparked around noon, increasing in intensity and coverage during after the lunch hour. These storms have been moving very slowly, and rainfall has reached over 2 inches in locations such as Daytona Beach, where it continues raining now.

Downtown Orlando has also experienced a few passing storms, which have produced lightning and gusty winds.

TRACK STORMS: LIVE DOPPLE 9 

The main threats with these storms are localized flooding and lightning.

So far this year, there has been two deaths caused by lightning, one in Florida. Florida leads the nation in lightning fatalities. Since 2007, there have been 52 deaths due to lightning in the state.

Be mindful of lightning and be aware that lightning can strike up to 15 miles away from a thunderstorm base.

RECEIVE ALERTS WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES 8 MILES FROM YOUR LOCATION

Channel 9 Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry will be tracking these storms starting at 4 p.m. on Eyewitness News, and our team of meteorologists will keep you updated on wftv.com, our free WFTV Weather app and throughout our social media platforms.

En español: Pronóstico por nuestra meteoróloga Irene Sans

Follow our meteorologists here:

Tom Terry
Brian Shields
George Waldenberger
Eboni Deon
Rusty McCraine
Irene Sans

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