An East Coast storm threatening to disrupt millions of holiday travelers will bring a heightened risk of severe weather to Florida on Thursday.
Worse than slowing travel or ruining outdoor plans, the severe storms can inflict damage and cause flooding in some communities.
“There is the potential for damaging thunderstorms centered on the Florida Peninsula on Thursday,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
Strong winds from the storms can knock down trees and power lines, possibly leading to power outages.
People with outdoor holiday decorations, such as inflatables, or smaller furniture and planters will want to make sure they are properly secured or brought inside if possible ahead of the storms.
“The storms may become intense enough to spawn a few tornadoes,” Sosnowski said.
Waterspouts will also be a possibility along the western coast of Florida.
People living or traveling in the area from Jacksonville to Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach and Miami will need to keep a close eye on the weather situation throughout the day on Thursday.
Miami’s greatest risk for severe weather may not be until later Thursday afternoon or Thursday night.
Keep up to date with the latest severe weather watches and warnings for your location by downloading the free AccuWeather app and enabling audible alerts.
In addition to the risk of property damage, the storms will unleash a large amount of water in a short time period, which will enhance the risk of flash flooding.
Motorists can face flooded sections of secondary roadways that force them to turn around and find a safer, alternate route.
Reduced visibility, ponding of water and a heightened risk of hydroplaning will threaten any travelers along stretches of interstates 4, 10, 75 and 95.
The storms can delay or even pause airline travel for a time at the international airports in Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach and Miami.
The worst of the storms are forecast to exit Tampa in time for the 8 p.m. EST kickoff of the Gasparilla Bowl between Marshall and South Florida at Raymond James Stadium, though a few lingering showers cannot be ruled out.
Anyone with hopes to tailgate prior to the game should begin making alternate plans for indoors.
The weather will be much calmer to end the week, though cloudy, showery weather can linger on Friday for any necessary storm cleanup.
Sunny, dry conditions will return over the weekend and will likely last into Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.