ORLANDO, Florida – The National Weather Service forecasts that severe storms, heavy rain, and possible tornadoes will impact east Central Florida this weekend.

A strong cold front will approach central Florida later today with strong to isolated severe storms possible late this afternoon and evening as the front passes through east Central Florida overnight.

The greatest threat of severe weather will be near-to-north of a Titusville to Kissimmee line.

The strongest storms will be capable of producing frequent lightning strikes, strong to locally damaging winds gusts between 40 to 60 mph, locally heavy rainfall, and small hail.

“A tornado or two may also be possible, with the greatest chance of occurring across northern portions of east central Florida,” the NWS stated.

“However, can`t completely rule out the potential for funnel clouds or a brief tornado developing along the east Central Florida coast, due to the potential of sea breeze interactions late this afternoon and through sunset.”

HIGH WIND IMPACT

Southerly winds will increase ahead of an approaching strong cold front. Expect wind speeds along the barrier islands and immediate Space and Treasure coasts to approach 20 to 25 mph sustained with frequent higher gusts in the afternoon.

RIP CURRENT IMPACT

A long period ocean swell will produce a High risk of life-threatening rip currents at all central Florida Atlantic beaches.

While rip currents will be present all day, they are most likely between 230 PM and 830 PM due to tidal effects. Entering the surf is not advised.

MARINE THUNDERSTORM GUST IMPACT

There will be an increasing potential for fast-moving showers and isolated to scattered storms pushing offshore and preceding a strong cold front late this afternoon and evening. Some strong to
isolated severe storms will be possible with wind gusts to 34 knots south of the Cape and potentially 40 to 50 knots from the Cape northward.

WATERSPOUT IMPACT

Marine interests should also be alert for the potential for isolated waterspouts late this afternoon and into tonight, especially with any offshore moving storms.