ORLANDO, Fla. — Wednesday is a Weather Alert Day in Central Florida with severe storms expected to move through this afternoon. See live updates below:
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6:15 p.m. update
Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry said there are reports that golf ball-sized hail fell in Palm Bay near Rome Avenue and Nebraska Avenue this afternoon.
Golfball hail reports still coming in from earlier today in Palm Bay, Rome Ave and Nebraska Ave.
— Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) April 26, 2023
5:50 p.m. update
Central Middle School in West Melbourne shared photos of hail covering the campus courtyard.
5:45 p.m. update
Storms are currently dumping heavy rain in east Orange County, including the Christmas area.
5 p.m. update
Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry is tracking storms that are forecast to head into Clermont and Apopka. Storms are forecast to kick up in Orange and Lake counties starting closer to 6 p.m.
4:30 p.m. update
Chief meteorologist Tom Terry is tracking severe storms moving into Sanford and Seminole County.
Read: 9 things to know about tornadoes in Florida
3:50 p.m. update
Massive amounts of hail are pounding Interstate 95 at mile marker 181 in West Melbourne.
The immense hail has put traffic at a standstill. Click here to stream live video.
Hail piled up like snow along the interstate.
SEE: Hail pounds Brevard County
Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said the hail could be the size of tennis balls, and there is also a severe wind threat.
Terry will give live updates on the extreme hail event live on Channel 9 Eyewitness News at 4.
2:30 p.m. update
Orlando International Airport said airline operations may be impacted today due to the forecasted severe weather. You can click here to track airport delays.
Weather Alert ⛈️ Due to thunderstorms throughout the day, airline ops may be impacted with flight delays/cancellations and baggage delivery delays. Please check with your airline directly for any updates regarding your flight. For airport delays, visit: https://t.co/vm0yMYHkcv https://t.co/DPILMPt8XE
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) April 26, 2023
2:20 p.m. update
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for all of Central Florida through 9 p.m.
Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said extremely cold air in the mid/upper atmosphere will make for unusually large hail threat up to baseball size (again), and gusty winds over 60 mph. There will be an isolated tornado threat as well.
Channel 9 meteorologists will be tracking the storms all afternoon. Stay tuned to Eyewitness News and follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for updates:
As expected, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is now in effect for all of Central Florida until 9pm. pic.twitter.com/fxfKajgFcK
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) April 26, 2023
Original story:
An old front hanging around Florida will help fuel afternoon thunderstorms Wednesday.
Central Florida will have good daytime heating before the storms fire up later Wednesday.
The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 84 degrees Wednesday afternoon.
Watch: Damaging hail, gusty winds expected Wednesday
Central Florida is forecast to have a 50% to 60% chance of storms today.
Afternoon and evening rain and storms could become severe.
Damaging hail and strong winds will be the biggest threat from the storms Wednesday.
Wednesday night will be partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 70s.
See: Baseball-sized hail, tree damage reported as storms move through Central Florida
Scattered afternoon storms remain through the end of the week.
Click here to watch live updates on your forecast on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
Red tide guide: How to check Florida beach conditions
DAMAGING HAIL POSSIBLE: It’s a Weather Alert Day for the higher chance of severe storms this afternoon. Large hail is likely in some of these storms. Not all of us have the option, but if you can, park in a garage/car port this afternoon. I’m tracking the storms on 9 now. pic.twitter.com/eCkgHvhxwK
— Brian Shields (@BrianWeather) April 26, 2023
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