Melbourne, Florida – Visibility dropped below a quarter mile along stretches of I-95 before sunrise Friday, and strong storms could follow by late afternoon with wind gusts near 40 mph.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, dense fog developed across portions of east central Florida early Friday, particularly inland from Martin and St. Lucie counties north toward Orlando. Lingering fog will lift between 8 and 9 a.m., but drivers along I-95, US-1 and State Road 528 should continue using low-beam headlights and allow extra distance during the morning commute.
By midafternoon Friday, rain and thunderstorms will expand across the region as a weak front stalls over central Florida. Rain chances increase from around 40 percent Friday afternoon to 60 to 80 percent tonight and Saturday. Orlando, Melbourne, Daytona Beach and Fort Pierce could all see locally heavy downpours, with isolated totals approaching 1 inch where storms train over the same area.
A few stronger storms may produce wind gusts over 40 mph and small hail. Brief ponding on roadways is possible along US-192 in Melbourne and I-4 near Orlando during heavier bursts of rain.
Beachgoers should also note a moderate risk of rip currents along Atlantic beaches through the weekend.
Storm coverage gradually decreases Sunday into early next week, though isolated onshore-moving showers remain possible. Additional advisories may be issued if stronger storms develop later today.
