Tornado watch expires for Marion, Sumter counties

Update:

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Heavy rain and storms are passing through Central Florida, but the tornado watch has expired for Marion and Sumter County.

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Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry said storms will gradually taper off into 7 p.m.

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A tornado watch was issued for parts of Marion County Sunday morning.

The watch will be in effect through 5 p.m. and includes the Florida Big Bend area.

Certified Meteorologist Tom Terry says a line of storms in Florida’s panhandle and the Gulf of Mexico will move into Central Florida in the mid to late-afternoon hours, bringing a threat of severe weather and isolated tornadoes, mainly to the west.

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Potentially severe storms are expected to move into the Metro Orlando along the I-4 corridor by 6 p.m. Sunday.

Heavy rain, gusty winds and small hail are all expected. Dangerous lightning could be a concern as well.

The system is forecast to move into the I-95 corridor and offshore by 10 p.m.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:

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

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