ORLANDO, Fla. — Update:
Half of Central Florida was under a severe thunderstorm watch Monday afternoon and will remain under one into the evening.
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The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Monday for Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard and Polk counties, chief meteorologist Tom Terry said.
He said drivers should expect a stormy evening commute, with thunderstorms likely remaining disruptive until 8 or 9 p.m.
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Terry said Orange County, especially Apopka, is about to experience heavy rain.
Severe storms are forming over Wekiwa Springs State Park and moving northeast through western Seminole County. Quarter-sized hail and gusty winds are expected.
He also said severe hail is hammering Polk County in the area north of Interstate 4.
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The widespread rain and storms are moving into Central Florida from the Gulf Coast.
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Earlier story:
Central Florida has a wet week ahead.
A stalled front will keep periods of rain and storms around.
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Our area will see a 60% chance of rain and storms Monday afternoon and evening.
The high temperature in Orlando should reach around 83 degrees Monday afternoon.
Storm chances will be around 40% Tuesday and 50% on Wednesday.
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The rainy pattern will stay active all the way into the weekend.
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