ORLANDO, Fla. – Storms are expected to hit Central Florida Wednesday morning as many travelers get ready to head out for the holidays on a windy Christmas Eve morning.
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A strong cold front spawned severe weather along the Gulf Coast and will cross the Central Florida area, bringing the potential for severe storms late this afternoon and this evening.
The day started dry, but a strong line of showers will bring heavy rain and lightning beginning first north of Orlando in areas like Marion County, before transitioning south through the rest of Central Florida.
"Our big concern today, especially late this afternoon into the early to mid-evening hours, will be that potential for that strong, gusty winds," said Local 6 meteorologist Julie Broughton.
Afternoon highs climb into the low 80s with a 70 percent chance of showers and storms.
Rain clears on Christmas Day, with clouds lingering in the morning and the rain chance dropping to 20 percent.
High temperatures are expected to be in the upper-60s for Christmas Day with a warm weekend ahead.