ORLANDO, Fla. — Widespread rain was moving through Central Florida on Wednesday afternoon, even triggering a tornado warning for Polk County.
Downpours will last through rush hour and taper off during the early evening, meteorologist George Waldenberger said.
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“Isolated heavy rain will be the biggest threat for our (evening) drive and reduced visibilities,” he said. “Overall, our threat for severe weather threat is low as the storms pass, but we’ll watch in case an isolated storm cell starts rotating.”
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New tornado warning for western Polk county, very near I-4. Tracking east at 30mph. #StormAlert9 pic.twitter.com/Jokb3KQDei
— Tom Terry (@TTerryWFTV) December 16, 2020
Weather was more severe in the Tampa Bay area, where a tornado formed as thunderstorms rolled through Pinellas County.
A cold front will pass Central Florida overnight, leaving behind much cooler air for Thursday and “a taste of wintry chill for Friday morning,” Waldenberger said.
Click here to watch chief meteorologist Tom Terry’s live forecast on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.
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Large shield of rain passing over the Orlando area right now. Nearly an inch has fallen around some areas near The Villages already. #WFTV Florida pic.twitter.com/LfXnxFU0N6
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) December 16, 2020
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