Alert archive / Florida / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2020

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 9, NWS Melbourne, FL

April 20, 2020Lake County, Volusia County, Florida

NWS Melbourne, FL issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Apr 20, 2020, 10:12 AM EDT for Lake County, Volusia County, Florida. It was in force for 63 min. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Apr 20, 2020, 10:12 AM EDT (14:12 UTC)
Expired
Apr 20, 2020, 11:15 AM EDT
In force
63 min
Issued by
NWS Melbourne, FL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Lake County, FL, Volusia County, FL

The radar

The Melbourne radar (KMLB), 139 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:13 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 20, 11:10 AM EDTTSTM WND GST 433 Wsw Daytona Beach, FLWXFLOW SITE, EW9392, MEASURED A WIND GUST OF 49 MPH/43 KNOTS FROM THE SW.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this severe thunderstorm warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Apr 20, 7:02 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WatchSPC8 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Cape Canaveral, FL (KXMR), launched 12:00Z, 2.2 hours before the alert went out and 119 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Cape Canaveral, FL at 12:00Z on 2020-04-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 2398 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Cape Canaveral, FL at 12:00Z on 2020-04-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 224 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
2398 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-21 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
793 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
55 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
224 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
268 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
4.0
Supercell composite
18.3

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

757 
WUUS52 KMLB 201412
SVRMLB
FLC069-127-201515-
/O.NEW.KMLB.SV.W.0009.200420T1412Z-200420T1515Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1012 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northern Lake County in east central Florida...
  Volusia County in east central Florida...

* Until 1115 AM EDT.

* At 1011 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Moss Bluff,
  or 8 miles south of Lynne, moving east at 40 to 45 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage 
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, DeLand and New Smyrna
  Beach.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread
significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately
likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building. This storm may cause serious injury and significant
property damage.

Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground
lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately.
Lightning is one of nature's leading killers. Remember, if you can
hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 2901 8084 2898 8139 2886 8195 2896 8195
      2896 8166 2905 8166 2906 8164 2928 8164
      2932 8168 2938 8145 2940 8143 2926 8142
      2927 8115 2941 8116 2943 8107
TIME...MOT...LOC 1411Z 269DEG 34KT 2908 8187 

HAIL...1.00IN
WIND...60MPH
 
$$

Sedlock
1 follow-up statement
396 
WWUS52 KMLB 201444
SVSMLB

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1044 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

FLC069-127-201515-
/O.CON.KMLB.SV.W.0009.000000T0000Z-200420T1515Z/
Lake FL-Volusia FL-
1044 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 AM EDT
FOR NORTHERN LAKE AND NORTHERN VOLUSIA COUNTIES...

At 1044 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over DeLeon
Springs, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to 
         roofs, siding, and trees.

Locations impacted include...
Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach, DeLand and New Smyrna
Beach.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread
significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately
likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of
a building. This storm may cause serious injury and significant
property damage.

Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature's leading
killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to
be struck by lightning.

&&

LAT...LON 2901 8084 2898 8139 2886 8195 2896 8195
      2896 8166 2905 8166 2905 8164 2923 8149
      2926 8142 2927 8115 2941 8116 2943 8107
TIME...MOT...LOC 1444Z 270DEG 53KT 2908 8136 

HAIL...1.00IN
WIND...60MPH
 
$$

Sedlock

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Melbourne, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at Apr 20, 9:04 AM EDT, 1 hour 8 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Apr 20, 9:04 AM EDT, 1 hour 8 minutes before
East Central Florida Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
904 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

.DISCUSSION...

...Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Most of Central Florida Until 3
PM...

Today...Stronger storms are poised to enter the forecast area from
the north and west over the next couple hours. Isolated severe
storms could develop, with locally damaging winds and hail possible,
along with an isolated tornado. Windy ahead of the front with a
period of time for surface heating creating some additional
instability into the afternoon.

By late morning to early afternoon rain chances increase all the way
down to the Space Coast as the main frontal boundary moves into our
area. Scattered to numerous showers possible with embedded
stronger lightning storms.

Abundant moisture with dew points in the upper 60s/low 70s and very
strong diurnal heating contribute to MLCAPE values up to 2000 J/kg.
Hodographs are mostly mostly unidirectional and straight-lined. The
biggest question mark is going to be forcing for convective
initiation as the main upper trough departs the area and the front
flattens out/weakens and slows once it reaches the I-4 corridor.

Environmental conditions are favorable for isolated severe storms,
with the main threat of damaging wind gusts, hail up to quarter
size, and deadly lightning strikes. The threat is greatest in
the watch area, from Brevard/Osceola Counties north.

A Lake Wind Advisory is in place for sustained southwest winds 20-25
mph with gusts up to 35mph into late afternoon. This also drives up
afternoon temperatures to record values in some areas.

Tonight...As previously mentioned, model guidance shows the
weakening frontal boundary slowing down between the Cape and
Treasure Coast. Scattered showers and isolated lightning storms
linger into the evening hours. Though, there is considerable
uncertainty regarding how many storms will actually materialize
due to weak convergence along the front. As the front sags south
through the overnight, isolated to scattered showers possible from
Sebastian south. Again, there is high uncertainty with this
forecast as rain chances could be much less if front fizzles by
late evening. Winds decrease to 5-10mph after sunset and veer
west/northwest. Overnight lows in the low/mid 60s, except upper
60s in Martin County.

&&

.AVIATION...
Windy today, sustained southwest winds 20 knots and gusts up to 30
knots possible through the afternoon. A cold front moves in this
morning, bringing showers and some strong lightning storms. Highest
confidence in storm impacts at KDAB/KMCO/KSFB/KISM, with possible
early afternoon storms approaching KTIX/KMLB but confidence is lower.

&&

.MARINE...
Today...Hazardous boating conditions today as a cold front
approaches the area, increasing the pressure gradient over all east
central Florida waters. This results in southwest winds 20-25 knots
with higher gusts. Seas 3-5 feet nearshore and 5-6 feet offshore.
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for all waters through 8
PM tonight. A few strong to severe storms possible from late
morning into the early afternoon. Main threats will be wind gusts
in excess of 40 knots, hail, and dangerous lightning strikes.

Tonight...The cold front weakens as it moves south of the Cape this
evening, winds diminish to 15-20 knots and seas drop to 3-4 feet
nearshore and 4-6 feet offshore. Small craft still need to exercise
caution tonight. Scattered showers and lingering lightning storms
possible from Sebastian Inlet south.

&&

.CLIMATE...
Record highs for April 20th at a few sites.

                    RECORD
            DATE     HIGH
Melbourne   20-APR  91 1944
Vero Beach  20-APR  90 1968
Fort Pierce 20-APR  92 1968

&&

.MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Severe thunderstorm watch for Coastal
     Volusia-Inland Volusia-Northern Brevard-
     Northern Lake-Orange-Osceola-Seminole-Southern
     Brevard-Southern Lake-until 3 PM EDT.

     Lake Wind Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for Coastal
     Volusia-Indian River-Inland Volusia-Martin-Northern Brevard-
     Northern Lake-Okeechobee-Orange-Osceola-Seminole-Southern
     Brevard-Southern Lake-St. Lucie.

AM...Severe thunderstorm watch Flagler
     Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Volusia-Brevard
     County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20 nm-until 3 PM EDT.
     Small Craft Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for Flagler
     Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Flagler Beach
     to Volusia-Brevard County Line 20-60 nm-Sebastian Inlet to
     Jupiter Inlet 0-20 nm-Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 20-
     60 nm-Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20
     nm-Volusia-Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 20-60 nm.

&&

JP/TES/KN/MW
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 20, 7:32 AM EDT, 2 hours 40 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
732 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

AMZ550-552-555-570-572-575-FLZ041-044>047-053-054-058-059-064-141-
144-147-202200-
Flagler Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Volusia-
Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20 nm-
Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 0-20 nm-Flagler Beach to Volusia-
Brevard County Line 20-60 nm-Volusia-
Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 20-60 nm-
Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 20-60 nm-Inland Volusia-
Northern Lake-Orange-Seminole-Southern Brevard-Osceola-
Indian River-Okeechobee-St. Lucie-Martin-Coastal Volusia-
Southern Lake-Northern Brevard-
732 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.
...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH FOR MOST OF CENTRAL FLORIDA THROUGH
3 PM...

.THUNDERSTORM IMPACT...
Numerous fast moving showers and strong lightning storms will move
eastward across east central Florida. Deadly lightning strikes
and potentially damaging wind gusts, along with a brief tornado
will be a threat within any strong to possibly severe storms
which may develop. Damaging winds up to 60 mph, and hail up to
quarter size. A brief tornado is possible within any cell which
may acquire rotation. The greatest risk for any severe storms will
be from Brevard and Osceola counties northward.

.FLOOD IMPACT...
Locally heavy rainfall of a half to one inch will be possible in
a brief period, leading to some nuisance flooding of low spots and
roadways.

.RIP CURRENT IMPACT...
There is a moderate risk of rip currents at all east central
Florida beaches today, mainly due to an increasing short period
swell. While dangerous rip currents will be present all day, the
risk will be greatest from 10 AM to 4 PM due to tidal effects.
Swim only within sight of a lifeguard. If no lifeguard is present,
don't enter the surf. Be aware that beach closures remain in
effect for some communities.

.MARINE THUNDERSTORM GUST IMPACT...
Scattered strong lightning storms will push offshore during the
day. As these storms cross the coast and nearshore waters most
will be capable of wind gusts in excess of 35 knots. If a severe
storm develops, there is a chance of wind gusts up to 50 knots.

.WATERSPOUT IMPACT...
A brief waterspout is possible within any cell which may acquire
rotation.

.WIND AND SEA IMPACT...
Southwest winds up to 20 knots over the nearshore waters, and 20
to 25 knots with higher gusts over the offshore waters. A Small
Craft Advisory is in effect for all local waters through 8 PM.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.
Drier weather is expected during mid week before a chance for
storms returns late in the week. A Moderate risk of rip currents
is expected at all east central Florida beaches through mid week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about
severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC
guidelines.

KR/JP

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 20, 9:41 AM EDT, 31 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
941 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

FLZ041-044-141-201445-
Northern Lake County FL-Coastal Volusia FL-Inland Volusia FL-
941 AM EDT Mon Apr 20 2020

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CENTRAL AND NORTH LAKE AND
VOLUSIA COUNTIES UNTIL 1045 AM EDT...

At 939 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
cluster of thunderstorms near Lynne, moving northeast at 60 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
these storms.

Locations impacted include...
Deltona, Lake George, Deland, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, and Ormond
Beach.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

These storms may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional
information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 300 PM EDT for
east central Florida.

LAT...LON 2943 8107 2910 8093 2885 8136 2887 8135
      2888 8136 2882 8142 2878 8195 2896 8195
      2896 8166 2905 8166 2906 8164 2928 8164
      2932 8168 2938 8145 2940 8142 2926 8142
      2927 8115 2941 8116
TIME...MOT...LOC 1339Z 246DEG 63KT 2915 8196

Sedlock

The office that day

Everything else NWS Melbourne, FL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 20, 3:06 AM EDTLake Wind AdvisoryMLBLake, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia17 hr
Apr 20, 9:41 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia64 min
Apr 20, 10:32 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBLake43 min
Apr 20, 10:38 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB119 min
Apr 20, 10:42 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBLake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia63 min
Apr 20, 10:49 AM EDTTornado WarningMLBVolusia26 min
Apr 20, 11:06 AM EDTTornado WarningMLBLake, Orange, Seminole24 min
Apr 20, 11:10 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBSeminole, Volusia50 min
Apr 20, 11:13 AM EDTTornado WarningMLBVolusia32 min
Apr 20, 11:28 AM EDTTornado WarningMLBOrange, Seminole32 min
Apr 20, 11:32 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB2 hr
Apr 20, 11:44 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBBrevard, Seminole, Volusia46 min
Apr 20, 11:48 AM EDTTornado Warning Tornado observedMLBBrevard, Seminole, Volusia42 min
Apr 20, 11:59 AM EDTTornado WarningMLBBrevard31 min
Apr 20, 12:14 PM EDTTornado WarningMLBBrevard31 min
Apr 20, 12:16 PM EDTTornado WarningMLBBrevard29 min
Apr 20, 12:56 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBOsceola64 min
Apr 20, 1:05 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBOsceola55 min
Apr 20, 1:52 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBBrevard53 min
Apr 20, 1:56 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB68 min
Apr 20, 2:43 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBOsceola47 min
Apr 20, 3:02 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBOkeechobee58 min
Apr 20, 4:40 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB2 hr
Apr 20, 4:44 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBOkeechobee46 min
Apr 20, 5:06 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBMartin39 min
Apr 20, 5:16 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBMartin, Saint Lucie33 min
Apr 20, 5:21 PM EDTTornado WarningMLBMartin24 min
Apr 20, 5:41 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB49 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Florida, 2020Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2020

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.