Orlando, Florida – Storms could rattle much of East Central Florida beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday, with damaging winds, lightning, and flooding rain likely in spots from Orlando to Daytona Beach.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, scattered to numerous thunderstorms will develop along the sea breeze this afternoon and evening, with the strongest activity expected through 9 p.m. in Brevard and Osceola counties. The primary hazards include 40–55 mph gusts, frequent lightning, and a 5% chance of hail or wind gusts topping 60 mph. Slow-moving cells could also drop 1–3 inches of rain in urban and low-lying areas, leading to ponding and reduced visibility.
Orlando, Sanford, and Daytona Beach all have a 70% chance of rain, with temperatures holding near 90 degrees. Coastal cities like Melbourne and Vero Beach will see lower chances but still face threats from lightning and moderate rip currents, especially with 1–3 foot surf along Atlantic beaches. Swimmers are urged to heed lifeguards and posted warnings.
Storm activity is expected to taper off by late evening, but additional storms may return Friday. Alerts remain in effect through tonight, and more updates will follow as conditions evolve.
