Emergency management reports tornado touched down in south Fort Myers
Cheryl McCloudLATEST NEWS
Strong winds damage about 26 mobile homes in North Port
12:45 p.m. Emergency management reported "strong gradient winds" damaged about 26 mobile homes this morning in the Holiday Park community in North Port.
Emergency management reports tornado touched down in south Fort Myers
12:02 p.m.: Lee County Emergency Management reported a tornado touched down at 6:25 a.m. in south Fort Myers.
The intensity has yet to be determined and a more detailed summary is expected later this afternoon.
Downed tree closes Ballard Road in Fort Myers
9:45 a.m.: Fort Myers police reported Ballard Road will be shut down briefly between Urbana Avenue and Clotilde Avenue. A tree fell across the roadway. Officials urged residents to use caution on the road due to high wind gusts.
More weather coverage
►2 roads closed in Lee County closed due to storm. Photos and tweets show wind damage in area.
► Cold front moving across Florida could bring 'thorough soaking,' potential for severe weather
Eagle Ridge Drive closed due to storm damage
8:54 a.m.: Eagle Ridge Drive is completely shutdown due to storm damage, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. While we are assessing the damage, residents will be the only vehicles allowed into the community. If you’re not a resident, please use an alternate route.
73 mph wind gust reported near Bayshore Gardens
8:31 a.m.: A 73 mph wind gust was observed just after 8 a.m. near Bayshore Gardens in Manatee County. This highlights the potential for strong and potentially damaging wind gusts with today's storm threat, according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.
Thunderstorms could be 40 mph wind gusts
8:13 a.m.: Strong storms are coming ashore near Tampa Bay. Winds within this cluster of strong thunderstorms could be up to 40 mph. If you're able to stay inside and not be on the roads, it is highly encouraged as heavy rains could also lead to localized road ponding, according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.
Wind damage reported in Fort Myers
8:11 a.m.: Wind damage has been reported near Daniels and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers.
EARLY UPDATE
A tornado watch has been issued for eight counties in Southwest Florida.
The watch is in effect until 10 a.m. for Sarasota, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Glades, Hendry, Desoto and Highlands counties, according to the National Weather Service.
Previously:Cold front moving across Florida could bring 'thorough soaking,' potential for severe weather
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast to move through the area from mid- to late-morning. AccuWeather forecasters warned periods of intense downpours and strong, gusty winds are likely.
The strongest thunderstorms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, isolated tornadoes, hail and frequent lightning.
Localized flooding will be possible across metropolitan locations of the east and west coasts.
A few tornadoes are possible with severe thunderstorms that develop today, especially across southwest areas of South Florida.
Severe thunderstorms that develop today may be capable of producing hail greater than or equal to one inch in diameter.
An elevated risk for tornadic waterspouts exists today across all local waters. Elevated winds and seas ahead of the approaching cold front will result in dangerous marine conditions today, according to the Weather .