Impact weather alert: Tornado warnings extended as heavy rain and winds slam Central Florida

The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed a tornado in Lake Mary, Seminole County, where a tornado warning is in effect this Monday. Volusia County is also under the same tornado warning, due to severe weather. Previously, the NWS issued one for adjacent areas of Lake and Orange counties.

The NWS forecast a marginal risk of severe weather risk due to a cold front, which moves through the area and will bring rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hail. The development of tornadoes is also not ruled out. In fact, the NWS issued a wind warning from 10 a.m. m. until 7 p.m. m. this Monday because gusts of 25 to 35 mph could be recorded.

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Weather forecast: Heavy rain and winds

According to Severe Weather Outlook, a website that monitors severe weather potential, a mid-level low will move eastward over Georgia on Monday, while a positively tilted trough heads toward the Florida Peninsula. At the surface, a cold front will advance southeastward across the peninsula. Thunderstorms are expected to develop by mid-morning, with storms moving eastward across central Florida from late morning to early afternoon. A brief tornado could also occur, the website warned.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tampa Bay, Florida, reported that the strongest storms will affect the region from this morning into early afternoon, shifting east and south by mid-afternoon. “The Marginal Risk remains in effect for early this morning from around Tampa Bay northward, with the Storm Prediction Center extending a Marginal Risk for the rest of today across inland southwest Florida and the interior,” the NWS said.

Tornado warnings in Central Florida

Severe thunderstorms prompted several severe tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings throughout Central Florida earlier Monday morning, including at least one confirmed tornado in Lake Mary. Just west, trees were down, and minor damage was reported at Sweetwater Clubhouse tennis courts north of Wekiva Springs Road. In Seminole County, Fire Rescue is helping with damage along the 2100 block of Blue Iris Place.

In a tornado warning, experts advise to take immediate action. Follow these instructions:

• If you are in a non-mobile residence, find an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
• Avoid windows.
• If you are outdoors, in a motor home, or in a vehicle, go to shelter and protect yourself from debris.