Volusia Under Tornado Watch As Storms Roll In

UPDATE (12-20-18): A Tornado Watch is in effect for all of Volusia until 4 p.m. today (December 20th), according to the National Weather Service. There is no such warning for Flagler at this time.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida until 4 PM EST pic.twitter.com/eaSwKTB3I0

— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) December 20, 2018

Earlier reporting below. Daytona Beach, FL - Forecasters say you can expect a day of high winds and heavy rains with a possible chance of tornadoes. Another storm system, similar to the system Volusia County experienced last week, is expected to reach the county in the late morning hours today (December 20th). "We initially start the day in a slight risk of severe weather," says Jerry Combs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne. "[We] upgraded most of East Central Florida, including Volusia County, to an enhanced risk of severe weather."

Update for Severe Weather Risk Tomorrow (12/20):
Most of east central FL has been upgraded to an "Enhanced" risk of severe weather. The hazards remain the same, but the likelihood of several damaging wind events has increased.

Keep an alerting device handy tomorrow! Please RT pic.twitter.com/cILH6RP4AS

— NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) December 19, 2018

Combs says that the window for thunderstorms sits around 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Volusia, with the biggest threat within that time frame damaging straight-line winds that could be in excess of 60 miles per hour. Heavy rain is also expected in the area around that time, along with a small chance of hail. A Severe Thunderstorm and/or Tornado Watch is likely at some point today, according to NWS Melbourne. Combs is urging you to make sure to monitor changing weather conditions and keep an eye out for alerts and warnings, either through the National Weather Service on Twitter for updates or local radio and television channels.

Strong to severe t'storms are possible on Thurs afternoon, particularly from #Ocala to St. Augustine & points southeastward. #Flood Watches are in effect for northeast FL & portions of inland southeast GA through Thurs night. Turn Around, Don't Drown! #flwx #gawx #jaxwx @JaxReady pic.twitter.com/bz9YArajlE

— NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) December 19, 2018

After the storm, Volusia County could see slightly lower temperatures, with the mercury between the low 50's and low 60's today and tomorrow. Winds will stay breezy through tonight, hitting 15-20 mph, but there is a bit of a silver lining. Forecasters expect a drier air mass to move through the county over the weekend that should cut rain chances this weekend through Christmas Eve and Christmas.