**ALERT** BAD WEATHER TONITE EXPECTED - Cape Canaveral

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Key Points for East-Central Florida

High confidence that squall line will develop over eastern Gulf of Mexico today and move onshore peninsula late today and across central Florida this evening/early Wednesday. Band of strong-severe thunderstorms will occur with squall line. Threat for damaging wind gusts of 50-65 mph and isolated tornadoes (8PM-5AM).

Rapid storm motion, toward the NE at 45-50 mph (storms will approach quickly).

Most significant tornado potential will exist ahead of line if supercells develop. There is a risk of strong and/or long-track tornadoes (lower confidence, but potential high impact; 3-8PM).

While large scale environment are forecast to be very favorable for severe weather, local conditions will determine whether significant impacts occur (can not be forecast until hours in advance).

Average rainfall totals near 0.50”, with areas of 1-2” likely.
Strong and gusty SW/W winds of 30-40 mph behind weather system Wed would impact any areas if wind/tornado damage occurs late today/tonight.

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UPDATE:

Brevard Public Schools has canceled all activities after 6 p.m. today because of anticipated severe weather conditions.

School activities scheduled between the dismissal of school and 6 p.m. are to be held at the principal’s discretion. All events after 6 p.m. -- including sporting events, classes and services have been canceled.

After-school child care programs are operating as usual, but parents are encouraged to pick up their children as soon as possible.

Schools will be in session Wednesday.
Update: Tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch at 2:10 p.m. that will remain in effect until 9 tonight.

The watch means that conditions are favorable for tornadoes to begin forming sometime within the time period.

Residents should watch out later today for what could be a hail-ridden outbreak of tornadoes that rolls into the Space Coast after dark.

Building clouds, strong mid- and upper-level winds and a southerly flow that'll draw in moisture will destabilize Central Florida's atmosphere.

And as an eastbound squall line moves off the Gulf of Mexico late tonight, that's when the instability could produce rotating thunderstorms that'll race to the northeast at 40 mph.

"The perfect setup is there," said Tony Cristaldi, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Melbourne. "And these are the setups that have historically produced these type of events."

The best chance will come between midnight and 6 a.m. Wednesday. The storms could include large hail and average rainfall levels of 1.5 inches, with spots of up to 3 inches possible.

[safetymom]

It's not only Cape Canaveral but all of Central Florida. Be careful if you are going out tonight.

[ljm23]

Wow, wonder if they'll be able to get the ship into port in the morning for the inaugural!

[bucsfan1029]

They were right about the high winds! I'm in Tampa and it sounds like a hurricane coming through...and the storm hasn't even arrived yet.

[Conservative Hippie]

Dark to the north but sunny to the south in North Davenport/South Clermont. Just now started to rain. DH says it's not raining in the AK area yet.

[phorsenuf]

They were right about the high winds! I'm in Tampa and it sounds like a hurricane coming through...and the storm hasn't even arrived yet.

The winds are crazy here, aren't they. can't imagine waht later on is going to be like! :scared1:

[msbiscuit]

Whoa, just checked the radar and it looks pretty nasty. Hang tight and stay safe, folks!

[maria-fan-22]

WOW! Stay safe y'all!!! I hope this doesn't interfere with the inaugural tomorrow! I hope everyone comes out all right. OKC went through some tough hail last year and it was a doosey! pirate:

[Conservative Hippie]

All calm here, so I'm sure the coast is getting it now.

[dursin]

Wasn't as bad as I expected after watching our insane Central Florida TV weathermen whip themselves into a frenzy all night.

[snelsonbrown]

Wasn't as bad as I expected after watching our insane Central Florida TV weathermen whip themselves into a frenzy all night.

It was pretty bad over here on the barrier island - Tornado hit somewhere in Cocoa Beach up toward Patrick Air Force Base - we thought the shutters were going to be thrown against the walls the weather was so bad, but looks like we are back to normal - don't know of any damages until the sun comes up - it reminded me of Hurricane Charlie back in 2004 when he moved through Florida so fast, BUT the good part was that this last night wasn't a hurricane, but then you can almost pinpoint where a hurricane will hit, but not tornados
Prayers to all that everyone were safe.
Hugssssssss:hug:

[NancyIL]

My sister and brother-in-law are staying in Cocoa Beach this week, so I just called her to make sure she was okay! Tornadoes are usually deadlier than hurricanes. You can get out of the way of a hurricane, but tornadoes develop quickly and then move on.

[dursin]

My sister and brother-in-law are staying in Cocoa Beach this week, so I just called her to make sure she was okay! Tornadoes are usually deadlier than hurricanes. You can get out of the way of a hurricane, but tornadoes develop quickly and then move on.
Very true. I'm from Illinois and my town was devastated by tornadoes at least twice when I was younger. Typically however Florida tornadoes are nothing like your Wizard of Oz style midwest twisters.