Reported By Stephanie Coueignoux
ORLANDO -- News 13's Severe Weather Experts say Central Florida residents should prepare for possible severe weather beginning Wednesday night into Thursday because a squall line of storms is forecast to develop ahead of a cold front.
The front and the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center prompted state officials to urge residents of north and central Florida to prepare.
Monitor forecasts about the approaching weather system and be prepared to act if additional warnings are issued, officials said.
A weather radio can be a lifesaver especially during nighttime events.
Weather Resources
The storms have potential to produce heavy rain, strong winds and tornadoes late Tuesday night through Wednesday night as the front moves east.
Some areas could receive as much as 2 to 4 inches of rain during the frontal passage with higher totals of 6 to 8 inches possible in 24 hours, officials said.
"An area of low pressure will begin to develop over the Gulf of Mexico. This is a symptom of the 'dry season' El Niño pattern over the southern states," said News 13 Meteorologist Dave Cocchiarella. "El Niño induces a strong southern stream jet in the mid and upper levels of the atmosphere over the Gulf and southern states. This jet produces a regular pattern of storm systems at the surface (areas of low pressure) further south than a typical winter and provides us with a pattern of strong cold fronts, rain and the possibility of severe weather."
Red Cross Ready For Severe Weather
As the cold front comes closer, county officials are also gearing up for potential severe weather.
Officials said they're making sure they have extra staff on hand to handle more emergency calls, and that their equipment and technology is ready to go at a moment’s notice.
"As a volunteer, it's sort of like paying it forward. I help them today. They’ll remember and help us or someone else tomorrow," said Monica Potaczala.
For the past 6 years, Potaczala has volunteered for the American Red Cross and responded to dozens of disasters. Now, she's preparing for Wednesday's severe weather.
"Personally, it does not get easier," Potaczala said.
The American Red Cross said they've had two of their trucks inspected just in case they need to head to a scene. They've also asked their volunteers to be ready for a phone call day or night.
"You name the disaster and the Red Cross is prepared to respond to that disaster," said Mid-Florida Region CEO Joel Hass.
News 13’s Weather Experts said there is a threat of tornadoes Wednesday into Thursday, which prompted the Seminole County Emergency Operations Center to have firefighters on standby and extra 911 operators.
As for Potaczala, she said she's also ready to head out at any time, knowing people might need a friendly face and helping hand.
"If they’re feeling frightened, many times I see them calm down when they see us because they know that we’re there to help," Potaczala said.
Officials told News 13 because we are in an El Niño cycle this year, we can expect severe weather, including tornadoes, more often than usual in the coming months.
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