FLORIDA — Parts of Florida are at risk for isolated severe thunderstorms on Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center, with damaging wind gusts posing the primary threat.
Forecasters have placed portions of northeastern and east-central Florida under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather. The risk is expected to develop during the afternoon as thunderstorms form along the Atlantic sea breeze.
The Storm Prediction Center said the strongest storms are expected from near Jacksonville south to the Space Coast, where a hot, humid air mass will provide favorable conditions for thunderstorm development.
Damaging downburst winds are expected to be the primary hazard, although frequent lightning, heavy rainfall and localized flooding may also accompany stronger storms.
The severe weather threat is part of a broader pattern affecting portions of the southern United States, with additional strong storms forecast from Texas and Oklahoma through the Gulf Coast states and into the Carolinas.
While widespread severe weather is not expected in Florida, residents in the affected areas should remain weather-aware Friday afternoon and evening, as isolated storms could quickly become strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts.
