A large scale low pressure system (Mesoscale) is developing in the Gulf of Mexico today. The evolving storm is unusually far south for April. The storm is producing a squall line which is racing across the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and will soon impact the west coast of Florida.
 |
| The straight line mid-photo is a jet captured in time lapse exposure, along with another jet capture in still frame. |
The developing storm will push east across the Gulf of Mexico toward Florida today and move across the state tonight. Ahead of the low pressure system the squall line will move at 40 mph+ (64 kph+). At that rate of movement the line would reach the Florida west coast around 2:00 pm this afternoon then move across east Central Florida in the mid-afternoon to evening hours. A graphic of the action is below.
Click on any images at Phillip's Natural World to enlarge
The atmosphere over Florida will become marginally unstable with increasing low level wind shear making severe weather possible this afternoon and evening. Storms will be capable of producing heavy rain, damaging wind gusts in excess of 55 mph (88½ kph), large hail, and perhaps short-lived tornadoes.
A second line of thunderstorms is developing in the Central Gulf of Mexico today, behind the initial squall line. Atmospheric conditions are forecast to become even more favorable for severe weather across Central Florida into the overnight hours tonight.
If the second line of storms continue to develop and remains in tact there could be a second threat for severe weather overnight tonight and into early Sunday morning with threats similar to this afternoon.
Visit
for more photos
Important Links