The Brief
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Sunday is a FOX 35 Storm Alert Day due to the potential for severe weather, strong thunderstorms, and tornadoes.
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Timeline: Afternoon, evening, and overnight hours from Sunday into Monday for Central Florida, according to the latest forecasts.
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Main weather threats: Thunderstorms, torrential rain, gusty winds, lightning, and potential for some tornadoes.
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Stay alert: Download the FOX Local app for latest weather forecast, severe weather alerts.
ORLANDO, Fla. – There is the potential for severe weather across the southeastern parts of the United States over the next several days, including Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia. On Sunday, that severe weather threat extends into north and central Florida.
FOX 35 has declared Sunday, March 16 a Storm Alert Day due to the potential for strong or severe thunderstorms, torrential rain, and gusty winds. Here’s what to know about the Sunday forecast, severe weather threat, and timeline.
Sunday Forecast
What to expect
The current weather forecast shows Sunday to be mostly sunny, hot, and windy. High temperatures are forecast to be in the high 80s. The daily heat record is 89 degrees, which was set in 2002. The thunderstorms and severe weather threat arrives during the evening and nighttime hours, according to FOX 35’s meteorologists.
Timeline: Here’s when the severe weather arrives in Central Florida
The timeline for the severe weather threat is in the afternoon and evening hours on Sunday, as well as during the overnight hours into early Monday morning. Sunday morning, the severe weather will likely enter northern Florida, and in the afternoon, reach Central Florida, and stick around through the evening hours.
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Gainesville: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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Orlando: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Monday
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Kissimmee: 1 a.m. 4 a.m.
Currently, the storms are expected to not impact the Monday morning rush hour. Though, the forecast will firm up in the days ahead.
Tornado threat: How likely?
FOX 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner said as the system moves into Central Florida, the tornado threat will move with it. The graphics below show a general timeline of when the biggest tornado threat will reach each region in the state.
“Winds will veer with altitude, from southerly at the ground level to westerly at jet stream level, producing a rotation in the column of air from ground to 30,000ft. This means any thunderstorms entering the region of orange could spin. This means a few tornadoes are possible,” Brooks said, noting that these would likely not be the large tornadoes often seen in the middle of the country. However, any tornado can be damaging and threaten life, property, and homes.
EF-2 tornado hit Seminole County, FOX 35’s TV Studio days ago
This tornado threat comes just days after an EF-2 tornado touched down in Seminole County during Monday’s severe weather, causing significant damage in Longwood, before striking our FOX 35 Orlando Studios in Lake Mary near Interstate 4. No one was hurt or killed in Monday’s storms, but several homes were damages, including one that completed collapsed, officials said. In other area, several trees and powerlines were toppled.
The National Weather Service said that tornado had peak winds of 115 mph, which is comparable to the wind gusts of a Category 2 or 3 hurricane.
Tornado safety tips: Here’s what to do
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Stay informed: Watch FOX 35 on TV or in the FOX Local app (available on cell phones and streaming apps) for the latest weather forecast, weather alerts, and severe weather alerts. Visit FOX35Orlando.com for the latest weather forecast and to view live radar.
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Turn on notifications: Keep emergency notifications and FOX 35 alerts on and active.
Tornado watch vs. tornado warning: What is the difference?
Tornado watch: A tornado watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are POSSIBLE in and near the watch area. This does not mean that a tornado will occur. It just means it’s possible, per National Weather Service.
Tornado warning: A tornado warning is issued when a tornado is IMMINENT. If a tornado warning is issued, seek safe shelter immediately.
Where is the safest place in your home during a tornado?
If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter right away. Find the most interior room in your house or building, such as a closet, bathroom, or another room. Stay away from windows and doors. If outside, get inside right away.
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The Source
This story was written based on information shared by the FOX 35 Storm Team on March 13, 2025.