Strong thunderstorms bring heavy rain, risk of flooding to Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Update:

Strong thunderstorms were developing throughout Central Florida on Wednesday evening.

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Areas of heavy rain and even some flood advisories are possible, especially in Osceola, Polk and Brevard counties, certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said.

Isolated strong storms and areas of flooding will be possible.

Overnight, a few more storms could develop but coverage should decrease toward morning, Waldenberger said.

On Thursday, the highest rain chances will be near the coast.

Photos: A look back: Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico 6 years ago today

In the tropics, a low pressure area will develop off Florida’s coast Thursday.

It now has a 40% chance of developing as it slowly moves away.

Impacts will include high waves and strong winds at Central Florida’s beaches Tuesday through Saturday.

Waldenberger said we will be watching for the risk of beach erosion during high tide.

Read: Why Puerto Ricans who came to Central Florida following Hurricane Maria are going back to the island

The low pressure area will draw drier air in for the weekend, he said.

A tropical wave across the Atlantic Ocean has a high chance of developing by the end of the week.

“We have one to two weeks to watch where this system ultimately goes,” Waldenberger said. “Nigel (is) out there not bothering us.”

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It’s been a month and Puerto Rico still needs your help — where to donate your money, how to volunteer and more PUERTO RICO - OCTOBER 18: Destroyed buildings are viewed from the air during recovery efforts four weeks after Hurricane Maria struck on October 18, 2017 in-flight over Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is suffering shortages of food and water in areas with only 19.10 percent of grid electricity restored. Puerto Rico experienced widespread damage including most of the electrical, gas and water grid as well as agriculture after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane, swept through. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama)

Earlier story:

Afternoon forecast: Wednesday, Sep. 20 Afternoon forecast: Wednesday, Sep. 20

Central Florida will have a better chance of seeing rain and storms on Wednesday.

Our area will have a 60% chance of rain and storms on Wednesday afternoon.

Forecast data shows some of the storms could be strong.

Watch: New low-pressure area will bring rough conditions again to Central Florida’s beaches

All of the rain and cloud cover will help to keep our temperatures cool.

The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 86 degrees on Wednesday afternoon.

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We can expect to see afternoon storms again on Thursday.

After the elevated rain chances on Wednesday and Thursday, Central Florida will see dryer and cooler days ahead.

Watch: Seminole County residents speak out about plan to extend Slavia Road

After a mostly sunny and nice weekend, rain and storm chances will return for most of next week.

Follow our Severe Weather team on X for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Brian Shields

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