Wind gusts reach almost 50 mph in some parts of Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Channel 9′s team of meteorologists declared Wednesday a Weather Alert Day for Central Florida.

A strong storm system moved through the region Wednesday, bringing with it severe weather, including gusty winds, lightning and the isolated threat of a tornado. Read live updates below:

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5:45 p.m. update

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said all tornado watches issued for Central Florida expired at 5 p.m.

The storms continue to work their way through Central Florida, moving over Brevard County before clearing out.

Read: Tornado Watch vs. Tornado Warning? What you need to know

Terry said no tornadoes were reported Wednesday despite wind gusts exceeding 70 mph, according to wind-measuring towers several hundred feet high.

He said that after the front moves through our area, sunnier, more beautiful conditions will return to Central Florida.

Highs will reach the 70s and lows will dip down into the 50s this weekend.

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4:30 p.m. update

A tornado watch remains in effect until 5 p.m. for parts of metro Orlando.

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry said strong, gusty straight-line winds have been the main issue Wednesday.

So far, wind gusts up to 48 mph have been reported at Orlando Executive Airport, he said.

Storms will move quickly through the I-4 Corridor toward the Space Coast through 6 p.m. Watch Terry track the storms live on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

3 p.m. update

There are reports of downed tree limbs and power lines at county roads 227 and 202 in the Oxford neighborhood in Sumter County.

1:15 p.m. update

It can be unnerving to drive through a thunderstorm. Channel 9 anchor Alexa Lorenzo explains how to safely do so in the video below:

11:45 a.m. update

Certified meteorologist Brian Shields said that, as expected, a tornado watch has been issued for Central Florida’s northern zones until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

That includes Marion, Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Lake and Orange counties.

See a map of the affected areas below, and watch Channel 9 Eyewitness News at Noon for live updates.

7 a.m. update

Meteorologist Brian Shields we’ll see a mild and dry start today.

But rain and storms will begin to work their way in by late morning and continue into the afternoon.

Storms will move from west to east.

Damaging winds and some hail are possible, along with a small tornado risk, Shields said.

The system pushes out of the Channel 9 viewing area this evening.

Behind this front, Shields said we can expect great weather, with lots of sun for the end of the week.

4 a.m. update

A strong storm system is forecast to move through the region Wednesday afternoon, bringing with it the slight risk for severe weather, including gusty winds, lightning and an isolated tornado.

Read: Deadly severe weather roars through several states, spawning potential tornadoes

Chief meteorologist Tom Terry and certified meteorologist Brian Shields will keep you informed of the timing and the intensity of Wednesday’s storms live on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

Download our free news, weather and smart TV apps to receive live weather updates in between newscasts.

Read: Weather Alert Day: Central Florida could experience powerful storms Wednesday

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