Orlando weather: Storms set to reach Central Florida. When to expect rain, how much?

ORLANDO, Fla. - Strong storms are expected to move through Central Florida tomorrow. 

Starting in the afternoon on Saturday, May 2, a storm is expected to come from the north – bringing rain, strong wind gusts and the possibility of a tornado. 

Activity will move from west to east during the day.

Storm Forecast: A look at the models

When do the storms arrive? 

Storms will arrive as early as 11 a.m. in areas near Alachua County. The storm will spread to the Ocala area around 2 p.m. Rain and wind won't arrive around Orlando until 5 p.m. or later on Saturday.

How much rain is expected? 

Nearly everywhere should see rain, but only places with the strongest storms – areas in the northwest – will see potential over 1" of rain. Otherwise, generally under 1" of rain. A small dent in an otherwise still large drought.

Where is the storm strongest? 

Areas northwest of Orlando are where wind shear and instability (storm fuel) will be highest. 

Damaging wind gusts (60+ MPH), and tornadoes are possible in Gainesville, Ocala, and Cedar Key areas. 

A brief strong tornado is even possible as well here. Storms will weaken substantially around Orlando, then out towards the Space Coast and Brevard County by the evening hours. Storms may still be strong to severe around Daytona, Palm Coast, Apopka, and Clermont with 50-60 MPH wind gusts and an isolated tornado risk.

A long-range storm

The weather will return to sun on Sunday with gusty winds and cooler temperatures. A morning shower in Osceola and Brevard Counties possible. Lighter winds, sunny, and getting quickly hot again early next week.

Fire risk: Brevard and Osceola counties

Additionally, Brevard and Osceola counties have a high wildfire risk for Saturday. 

What's next:

By Sunday afternoon, May 3, temperatures will be windy, cooler and less humid. 

Here's the weather outlook for the week ahead: 

• Saturday, May 2: High – 92 degrees, Low – 69 degrees
• Sunday, May 3: High – 79 degrees, Low – 64 degrees
• Monday, May 4: High – 83 degrees, Low – 62 degrees
• Tuesday, May 5: High – 87 degrees, Low – 63 degrees
• Wednesday, May 6: High – 93 degrees, Low – 67 degrees
• Thursday, May 7: High – 94 degrees, Low – 71 degrees
• Friday, May 8: High – 94 degrees, Low – 69 degrees

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