Central #Florida got lots of rain (again) today. 7 inches near Plant City.
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) May 18, 2018
More rain is in store Friday.. there is a bit of hope coming by the beginning of next week, at least the chance to have a summer-like pattern. So a bit of less chances of rain, confined to afternoons. 🤞🤞 pic.twitter.com/s4zA0aqCGw
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There could be some brief peeks of sunshine late Friday morning, which will spark thunderstorm development across Central Florida during the afternoon hours. Keep those umbrellas handy and your weather app near-by, storms could be strong to severe, produce multiple lightning, gusty winds and hail.
Beautiful sunset to end this rainy day! pic.twitter.com/Z2Z0VRkRsE
— tom terry (@TTerryWFTV) May 18, 2018
<< Download the free WFTV News app to get lightning alerts, and watch the latest weather video >>
This rain report from Plant City in eastern Hillsborough county. Highest elsewhere is 4.53" from Howie In The Hills in Lake county. pic.twitter.com/Qnj9nnX54L
— tom terry (@TTerryWFTV) May 17, 2018
The general movement of the storms are north but individual lines are moving to the north-northeast.
6 in of water can stall your car & 12 inches can float most cars away. You never know how deep the water truly is. Turn Around or take and alternate road.
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) May 17, 2018
6 pulgadas de lluvia puede hacer que su vehiculo se estanque y 12" hacen flotar un carro. Tome una via alterna #stormalert9 pic.twitter.com/8Z288QnMxU
On Wednesday, a 53-year-old woman was hit and killed by lightning in Parkland, Fla. It is the second lightning death in Florida for the year, and the third in the U.S.
Watch: How to protect yourself from lightning
This is the beginning of the end!
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) May 17, 2018
Notice all the the north-northeast? This mean there is actually something pulling the STUBBORN low (same one that has brought us all this rain and flooding) away from Florida. Hold on tight, we shall get better soon. #FLwx #stormalert9 pic.twitter.com/qq9ZXIn5tU
11 a.m.
Don’t leave your work or home during the midday hours without your umbrella: heavy rain and potentially severe storms are expected to move in early in the afternoon.
If you hear thunder, it's best to stay indoors.
Several areas will see one or two inches of additional rainfall, as well as strong winds and lightning.
A few isolated severe storms will be possible later... pic.twitter.com/h0bcekbowX
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) May 17, 2018
“Watch out for slick spots and ponding on roads,” Channel 9 meteorologist Rusty McCranie said.
Meteorologist Brian Shields also says there is a small risk for a brief tornado.
Heavy rain on the turnpike in Osceola County right now (and no, I’m not the person driving) #stormalert9 #WFTV pic.twitter.com/qbsgDK4yo4
— Michael Lopardi (@MLopardiWFTV) May 17, 2018
<< Download the free WFTV News and Weather apps to track storms in your neighborhood >>
8:30 a.m.
Thursday's rain and storms will start firing earlier than they did Wednesday.
Look at all the rain Future Track already has on the board at 1pm today. The timing for the heaviest rain looks a little earlier today. Once again, go nowhere with the umbrellas and watching out for slick spots and ponding on roads. pic.twitter.com/4v5jJ4beCL
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) May 17, 2018
Channel 9 Meteorologists Brian Shields and Rusty McCranie said Thursday's storms will move into the region around lunchtime, and will be widespread. Storms could continue into the evening rush.
Heavy rain and localized flooding are the biggest threats today - but a brief tornado/waterspout can't be ruled out. pic.twitter.com/FX982kYmGu
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) May 17, 2018
Downpours, thunder, lightning and even an isolated tornado or waterspout are all possible.
The moisture pump continues - more rain/storms on the way later! 1-3" possible. Be mindful of the lightning! pic.twitter.com/YE8EMP4eNT
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) May 17, 2018
4:30 a.m.
Thursday will bring more rain and storms to an already-soaked Central Florida.
The morning commute could include a few showers, according to certified meteorologist Brian Shields. However, the greatest threat for showers and storms will be in the afternoon.
<< Download the free WFTV News and Weather apps to track storms in your neighborhood >>
Shields said there is a 70 percent chance some of the storms could be strong or severe.
Watch below: Meteorologist Brian Shields' full forecast:
<< Traffic tracker: Beat the gridlock and get road detours here >>
Thursday will mark the fifth day Central Florida has seen heavy rain or thunderstorms, causing isolated flooding and even a minor tornado Monday in Brevard County.
Photos: Damage from waterspout in Merritt Island
On Wednesday, a 53-year-old woman was hit and killed by lightning in Parkland, Fla. It is the second lightning death in Florida for the year, and the third in the U.S.
Watch: How to protect yourself from lightning
We had almost HALF A FOOT of rain yesterday in Apopka! pic.twitter.com/xS4DKPXAIj
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) May 17, 2018
Watch below: Meteorologist Brian Shields' 5-Day Forecast:
Cox Media Group