ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Independence Day won't be a washout, but it won't be a perfect summer day either.
Showers and storms dowsed parts of Central Florida during the early afternoon, with numerous lightning strikes, loud thunder, and heavy rain. Here's what you need to know so you can plan ahead:
Having a barbecue or outdoor cookout?
Don't call off your plans, but be ready to move them inside. It all depends on where you are and when you're cooking out. Just keep an eye on the skies and get inside if you see lightning.
Download our free WFTV Weather app and receive lightning and weather alerts
Going to the beach?
Sorry, but it's not going to be the best day at the beach. A few showers are already moving across the coasts of Brevard and Volusia counties. It won't rain all day, but it won't be sunny and dry either.
Hot for the 4th, of course!🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/HNC5TYLtT2
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) July 3, 2018
Fireworks!
Most of the rain moves out by 8 or 9 p.m. when most fireworks shows get underway. If you're going to an event like Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola, which has festivities starting earlier in the afternoon, be prepared for some showers.
Read: What to know if you're going to Lake Eola for fireworks
Happy 4th of July! We will see scattered rain this morning, and rain and storms this afternoon....but....things are looking good for the fireworks tonight.
— Rusty McCranie (@RMcCranieWFTV) July 4, 2018
Rain should be out of most of Central Florida by 8pm. pic.twitter.com/Il0uCmahou
See what's in store for your weekend: Watch 5-day forecast from Severe Weather Center 9
Cox Media Group
