Weather

Storm Alert 9: Storms strengthen inland; lightning, torrential downpours

By Brian Shields, WFTV.com and Kelly Healey
By Brian Shields, WFTV.com and Kelly Healey

ORLANDO, Fla. — 5 p.m. update

The sea breeze kicked in and developed some storms, as forecast, shortly after 2 p.m. By 4:30 p.m. they moved over Orange, Seminoles Counties, along the I-4 corridor. The biggest clusters have affected the western half of Orange County. Expect the storms to lose for of their speed as they move to the west. Over 170 lightning strikes were produced between 4:35 p.m. and 4:50 p.m.

It is not likely that these storms will live for much longer, past 6:30 p.m. as they have peaked, and the instability is just not there to exacerbate them. By 7 p.m. most of Central Florida will be rain-free, under partly cloudy skies. It will continue to be hot and muggy. Lows tonight will drop to the mid-70s.

Monday morning update:

It's a hot start to the week in Central Florida, with a lower chance of rain Monday.
"Today will be hot. Since we won't have as much rain around, the temperatures will soar," Severe Weather Center meteorologist Brian Shields said.
The high temperature will be 94 degrees. It'll be partly cloudy, with a 30% chance of isolated afternoon storms.
Storms will develop courtesy of the sea breeze. Expect a few storms to develop after 2 p.m., mainly affecting inland locations by 4 p.m. most storms will be along the I-4 corridor. Spotty storms will bring lightning and brief torrential rain. 
Watch Live: Doppler 9 HD | Live updates on Eyewitness News
"Many of us will top out in the middle 90s, with a heat index over 100. There will still be some storms, and this afternoon, expect about a 30 to 40% chance, mainly inland," Shields said.
The rest of the week will maintain in the low 90s.
If you are working outside or going to the beach, remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Safety tips: The heat and the problems it causes

Watch your 5-Day forecast below:

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:

Cox Media Group

Most Read