Tornado watch continues for Volusia County until 6 p.m.; watch for high water

Sunny weather should return Saturday

By Pat Hatfield
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Mar 11, 2010 - 10:42:47am

UPDATE 3:30 P.M. The National Weather Service issued warnings to watch for high water in streams and roads due to heavy rains. Anywhere from one to three inches of rain has already fallen in East Central Florida, and another inch or two are expected. The warnings cover Volusia, Lake, Orange and Northern Brevard counties.

Some streets could close due to flooding. Motorists may find themselves in an intersection or low spot where the water is high.

Forecasters suggested deactivating cruise control adn driving slowly. Do not drive into areas where water covers the roadway. The water may be deeper than it looks.

The tornado watch is still in effect until 6 p.m.

UPDATE 1:45 P.M. : At 1:21 p.m., National Weather Service meteorologists reported a severe thunderstorm, capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, near Mount Dora. The storm was moving east at 35 mph.

Residents in southern Volusia County, including those in Orange City and DeBary, are in a severe thunderstorm warning area, as well as residents in Sanford, Casselberry and the Orlando area.

The warning will continue until 2:30 p.m.

"This is a dangerous storm. If you are in its path, prepare immediately for damaging winds and deadly cloud to ground lightning. People outside should move to a shelter...preferably inside a strong building but away from windows," the meteorologists warned.

A tornado watch for Volusia County remains in effect until 6 p.m. The tornado warning for West Volusia has expired.

UPDATE 11:01 A.M. THURSDAY, MARCH 11: West Volusia is now under a tornado warning, and with all of Central Florida, is under a tornado watch, the National Weather Service reported at 10:59 a.m. The West Volusia towns of DeLand, DeLeon Springs Pierson and Seville are under a tornado warning until 12:30 p.m., as a severe storm moves east from Marion County into West and Northwest Volusia.

"The storm severe storm has shown persistence, and is expected to maintain its tornado potential as it moves through North Lake and Volusia counties," the National Weather Service reported.

The warning means tornadic activity has been spotted in the storm, or radar indicates the possibility is imminent.

The tornado watch, meaning conditions are favorable for formation of tornadoes, will last until 6 p.m. tonight.

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED

The rain has pretty much set in to stay today in West Volusia, and will likely linger Friday, the National Weather Service in Melbourne reported.

Along with rain, some thunderstorms are expected to move through the area today, with the possibility of strong-to-severe storms, bringing large hail and damaging winds. These storms could spawn a tornado.

Winds are out of the south-southwest.

Stay alert to the possibility of severe weather, and be prepared to take shelter.

The good news is, temperatures are expected to stay mild.

Highs will remain the 70s through the five-day forecast period, with lows ranging from 64 degrees tonight to 48 degrees Saturday night.

Sunny weather should be back Saturday, in time for weekend activities.

Read reporter Pat Hatfield's blog, Life in Interesting Times.

— pat@beacononlinenewscom

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