Alert archive / Florida / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 23, NWS Melbourne, FL

May 8, 2026Volusia County, Florida

NWS Melbourne, FL issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 8, 2026, 5:58 PM EDT for Volusia County, Florida. It was in force for 32 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
May 8, 2026, 5:58 PM EDT (21:58 UTC)
Expired
May 8, 2026, 6:30 PM EDT
In force
32 min
Issued by
NWS Melbourne, FL
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

County Volusia County, FL

The radar

The Jacksonville radar (KJAX), 132 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 22:00 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.

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 nearest sounding before it

Jacksonville, FL (KJAX), launched 12:00Z, 10.0 hours before the alert went out and 134 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, Jacksonville, FL at 12:00Z on 2026-05-08Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 568 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, Jacksonville, FL at 12:00Z on 2026-05-08The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 16 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 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
568 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-92 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
653 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
59 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
16 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
83 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.2
Supercell composite
2.6

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

096 
WUUS52 KMLB 082158
SVRMLB
FLC127-082230-
/O.NEW.KMLB.SV.W.0023.260508T2158Z-260508T2230Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
558 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a

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

* Until 630 PM EDT.

* At 557 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Lake George,
  or near Crescent City, moving east at 15 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...
  Pierson, Seville, and Bakerstown.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

Large hail, damaging wind, and frequent cloud to ground lightning are
occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Remember, if you
can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is also occurring with this storm.
Move indoors immediately. Remember, lightning can strike beyond 10
miles away from a thunderstorm.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to
flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

&&

LAT...LON 2926 8142 2926 8139 2922 8141 2930 8162
      2934 8160 2938 8145 2940 8143 2940 8142
TIME...MOT...LOC 2157Z 279DEG 12KT 2935 8152 

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...60 MPH

$$

Kelly
1 follow-up statement
284 
WWUS52 KMLB 082226
SVSMLB

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
626 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

FLC127-082235-
/O.EXP.KMLB.SV.W.0023.000000T0000Z-260508T2230Z/
Volusia FL-
626 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHWESTERN VOLUSIA COUNTY
WILL EXPIRE AT 630 PM EDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire.

LAT...LON 2926 8142 2926 8139 2922 8141 2930 8162
      2934 8160 2938 8145 2940 8143 2940 8142
TIME...MOT...LOC 2225Z 279DEG 12KT 2934 8141 

$$

Kelly

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 May 8, 2:26 PM EDT, 3 hours 32 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Issued at 225 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026
  • Strong to isolated severe storms will be possible this afternoon and evening across areas from Orlando metro and Cape Canaveral northward.
  • Chance for showers and storms will continue each afternoon and evening this weekend through Monday. A few stronger storms will continue to be possible each day.
  • Highs remain above normal through the weekend and peak heat indices are forecast to reach the mid 90s to around 100F (locally).
Area forecast discussion, May 8, 2:26 PM EDT, 3 hours 32 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
226 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

...New KEY MESSAGES, DISCUSSION, MARINE, FIRE WEATHER...

.KEY MESSAGES...
Issued at 225 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

- Strong to isolated severe storms will be possible this
  afternoon and evening across areas from Orlando metro and Cape
  Canaveral northward.

- Chance for showers and storms will continue each afternoon and
  evening this weekend through Monday. A few stronger storms will
  continue to be possible each day.

- Highs remain above normal through the weekend and peak heat
  indices are forecast to reach the mid 90s to around 100F
  (locally).

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 225 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

Current-Tonight...Only isolated pockets of low stratus early this
morning and our northern coverage warning area (CWA) remained mainly
dry as well with arrival of weak frontal boundary strewn across the
central FL peninsula. WNW/NW winds 5-10 mph will become onshore 10-
15 mph at the coast this afternoon with this trend continuing inland
with the local sea breeze regime. Colliding boundaries and a modest
increase in moisture will promote SCT (OCNLY NMRS) showers and
lightning storms this afternoon/evening mainly across our northern
CWA, with greatest coverage (30-60pct) Orlando-Titusville northward.
Steering flow is out of the WSW so activity could push back toward
the coast this evening. A few storms could be locally strong to
marginally severe with primary impacts of frequent lightning
strikes, gusty winds 40-50 mph - perhaps one or two storms to 60 mph
locally, hail to coin-size, and heavy downpours. Brief tornado
potential remains less than 2%. Greatest coverage and intensity
likely 4pm-9pm. Locally heavy rainfall of 1-2 inches may also occur
with  a few storms. Due to ongoing drought conditions there will be
the potential for fire-starts from lightning strikes, especially
away from the main precip core.

The increase in cloud-cover and precip chances will keep max temps
down slightly, but they will still be above normal, ranging from the
M-U80s at the coast and L-M90s inland. The added humidity will lead
to peak heat index values in the M-U90s, which will maintain an
elevated heat risk, especially for individuals sensitive to heat.
Warm and humid conditions will continue overnight, as temperatures
are only forecast to fall into the L-M70s.

Sat-Mon...The weak boundary begins to lift back northward this
weekend, though ample moisture remains across the area and will
promote ISOLD-SCT (20-40%) showers/storms this weekend. Greatest
coverage will focus near the coast and for areas Melbourne northward
on Sat, then a bump upward nearly areawide (30-60%) on Sun, highest
PoPs still closer towards the coast and Cape northward. Each aftn
and evening there will remain the threat for a few strong storms.

Heat impacts continue to build, as max temps reach the L-M90s and
peak heat index values continue in the U90s to around 100. Warm and
humid conditions will continue each overnight period, with lows in
the 70s providing little relief. These hot and humid conditions will
produce a Moderate to Major HeatRisk across the area this weekend.

Another weak front approaches and moves through the area Mon night.
Shower and storm chances increase ahead of this feature (30-70%),
highest coverage toward the coast with activity, again, pushing
toward the coast/offshore during the late aftn/evening. Potential
for strong to ISOLD severe storms continue. Hot and humid conditions
persist on Mon (U80s-L90s) even as cloud-cover increases.

Previous Extended Forecast Discussion Modified.

Tue-Thu...Weak front is forecast to shift south of the area, but
will stall across south Florida before lifting back north through
midweek. Behind the front, winds quickly veer onshore as high
pressure builds offshore the Mid-Atlantic coast Tue, then gradually
becoming southerly by Thu. Lingering moisture and instability north
of the front on Tue will continue a chance for showers and storms,
mainly southeast of the I-4 corridor (30-60%). There remains some
uncertainty on rain chances through midweek, as some of the
guidance still keeps lingering showers and isolated storm
potential through Wed Melbourne south, but for now forecast trends
drier through this timeframe. Temperatures return closer to
seasonal values on Tue (in the 80s) behind the front, but then
continue to rise through midweek.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 225 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

Current-Tonight...A weak front across the northern waters will
remain quasi-stationary, but begin to slowly lift northward towards
daybreak Sat morning. NW winds will veer onshore this afternoon with
sea breeze development and progression inland, gradually becoming
southerly this evening and overnight at least for near the Cape
southward. Wind speeds will remain less than 15 kts, with seas 1-3
ft.

Will need to monitor for offshore-moving convection this evening,
esp near Cape northward as activity over land pushes back to the
coast. A few storms could be strong to marginally severe. Primary
storm threats include strong to locally damaging wind gusts of 35-50
kts, hail to coin-size, and frequent lightning strikes. Boaters
should keep an eye toward the west and if darkening skies threaten,
head immediately back to port.

Sat-Tue...The aforementioned front lifts back north this weekend,
with winds generally out of the S/SE 10-15 kts, but veering offshore
in the evening/overnight. Offshore winds may increase briefly late
each day/evening to 15-20 kts promoting temporary poor boating. Seas
continue 2-4 ft but may be locally higher invof ISOLD-SCT showers &
storms (aftn/eve). A few storms locally strong with primary concerns
of lightning strikes and strong gusty winds.

Another weak front approaches the area Mon and moves across the
local waters Mon night/early Tue. SW winds ahead of the boundary at
10-15 kts, become N/NW post-frontal Mon overnight/early Tue, then
shift NE/E during the day Tue increasing to 15-20 kts. Coverage of
offshore-moving showers and storms increase Mon afternoon/evening to
numerous (NMRS), and a threat for a few stronger storms will
continue. Seas build to 3-5 ft Tue, further to 6-7 ft well offshore
Tue evening/night, slowly subsiding again thru midweek. Lingering
moisture and instability behind the front may still lead to ISOLD-
SCT showers and storms into Tue.

&&

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFs)
Issued at 150 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

East coast sea breeze is pushing inland a little easier today as a
weak frontal zone settles into Volusia county INVOF KDAB. Primary
focus for TSRA will be 20Z-02Z btwn DAB-MCO-LEE as a result of
boundary collisions. Lower confidence exists in the extent of TSRA
to the south and west so maintained VC wording for LEE/TIX.
Activity gradually dissipates after 03z while moving offshore.
NBM/LAV guidances showing higher probs for MVFR CIGs at DAB
08Z-13Z so indicated a SCT015 for now. VFR elsewhere outside of
convection. Light SW wind to start Sat will turn SE at coastal
terminals MLB-SUA by 17Z-18Z behind the sea breeze.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Issued at 225 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

A weak front stalls across northern portions of east central Florida
before lifting back northward into the weekend. This boundary will
increase moisture and generate isolated to scattered showers and
lightning storms (occasionally numerous in coverage), mainly during
the afternoon and evening hours through the weekend and into early
next week. A few storms could be strong to marginally severe each
day as this activity pushes back toward the coast and offshore.
Greatest rain chances will be near to north of Orlando this
afternoon and evening (up to 40-60%) and north of Melbourne Saturday
(up to 30-40%). West-northwest winds 5-10 mph will become east-
northeast this afternoon behind the inland moving sea breeze,
increasing up to 10-15 mph. Winds then become south-southwest
Saturday around 10 mph, with the east coast sea breeze switching
winds to the southeast at the coast and increasing up to 10-15 mph.

While the increase in moisture will largely keep Min RH values above
critical values, we may see RH values drop as low as the mid 30s to
low 40s across the interior, south of Orlando this afternoon. Min RH
values range between 35-40% for much of the interior on Saturday and
40-45% on Sunday. Temperatures remain above normal for much of the
area into this weekend, with added humidity leading to peak heat
index values around 95-100 degrees each afternoon. Dispersion values
will be Fair to Generally Good this afternoon and then become Very
Good to Excellent on Saturday, returning to Generally Good for
Sunday.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DAB  73  92  73  90 /  20  40  20  60
MCO  74  95  75  93 /  10  20  20  40
MLB  77  93  78  90 /   0  20  20  40
VRB  75  94  76  92 /   0  10  20  40
LEE  73  92  73  92 /  20  10  10  30
SFB  73  95  73  93 /  20  30  10  50
ORL  74  94  75  93 /  20  30  10  40
FPR  75  94  76  92 /   0  10  10  40

&&

.MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...None.
AM...None.
&&

DISCUSSION...Sedlock
AVIATION...Kelly

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 8, 5:53 PM EDT, 5 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
553 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

FLZ041-082230-
Inland Volusia FL-
553 PM EDT Fri May 8 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN VOLUSIA COUNTY
THROUGH 630 PM EDT...

At 552 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lake George, or 7 miles southwest of Crescent City, moving east at 15
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Pierson, Barberville, Lake George, Eldridge, and Seville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Seek
safe shelter inside a sturdy building or hard-topped vehicle.
Remember, lightning can strike beyond 10 miles away from a
thunderstorm. When thunder roars, go indoors!

&&

LAT...LON 2926 8142 2926 8139 2917 8141 2923 8158
      2926 8164 2930 8165 2930 8166 2931 8167
      2933 8167 2937 8146 2940 8143 2940 8142
TIME...MOT...LOC 2152Z 279DEG 12KT 2934 8157

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Kelly

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 8, 5:53 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBFlagler37 min
May 8, 6:13 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB62 min
May 8, 6:24 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBFlagler21 min
May 8, 6:24 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia36 min
May 8, 6:54 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBVolusia51 min
May 8, 7:12 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB93 min
May 8, 7:29 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia31 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Florida, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

Sources

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