Cold Weather

Counties are opening emergency shelters as forecasters project temperatures to drop near or below freezing over the holiday weekend.

Central Florida could see freezing temperatures just north of the Tampa and Orlando by Friday.

The National Weather Service confirms the EF-1 tornado touched down around noon near Pasadena ahead of a cold front that will drop temperatures Friday and into the weekend.

Storms are forecast to spread into the central Peninsula mid to late morning on Thursday and stick around most of the afternoon.

A powerful low pressure system is forecast to bring all threats of severe weather to the Sunshine State Wednesday into Thursday.

Severe storms could bring damaging winds and tornadoes to the state ahead of a powerful midweek cold front.

Temperatures could fall below freezing over the interior peninsula on Tuesday night. Below average temperatures to occur over the state through the rest of the week.

Portions of the Sunshine State could experience their first freeze of the season following an early week cold frontal passage.

The National Weather Service says the EF-1 tornado had 90 mph winds and lasted around 45 seconds.

Temperatures will fall into the 30s and 40s overnight, with some spots getting into the 20s. Wind chills could drop into the mid to upper 20s and lower 30s.

Highs on Sunday afternoon will likely be limited to the low 60s over Central Florida, with Monday morning record lows possible.

Areas in Polk and Hernando counties are at a marginal risk of severe weather on Thursday.