ORLANDO, Florida — Florida is heading into a complicated weather week — and where you live will decide exactly when to brace for the worst of it.
Wednesday Belongs to Orlando
The first major event arrives Wednesday afternoon, when sea breezes push inland from both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts simultaneously.
When these two wind flows collide near Orlando, the result is supercharged storm development over interior Central Florida — including Ocala and Gainesville.
Coastal areas near Tampa, Melbourne and West Palm Beach will actually see a quieter Wednesday by comparison.
If you are in or around Orlando, Wednesday afternoon is not the time to be outdoors or on the road without checking radar first.
The Storm Track Shifts West Thursday Through Saturday
Starting Thursday, the entire pattern changes.
A dominant east-to-west flow takes over, pushing storms earlier in the day and driving them westward across the state as the day develops.
The I-75 corridor — from Tampa through Sarasota down to Fort Myers — becomes the primary target for the most widespread and intense storms Thursday through Saturday.
The same areas staying quiet Wednesday will face their roughest stretch just 24 to 48 hours later.
Do Not Let a Quiet Day Fool You
The biggest risk this week is complacency.
Orlando watches Wednesday. Tampa, Sarasota and Fort Myers need to be ready Thursday through Saturday.
Check local radar every morning before you head out — this pattern shifts fast and will catch unprepared residents off guard.
Which area are you in this week? Drop your location in the comments and let neighbors know what it looks like from your side of the state.