Thunderstorms rapidly developed along the collision of the east and west coast sea breezes near Orlando. One thunderstorm became severe as it moved from south to north over the Orlando Metro area resulting in numerous reports of damage to trees and property.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS MLB wrote it up.
Thunderstorms rapidly developed along the collision of the east and west coast sea breezes near Orlando. One thunderstorm became severe as it moved from south to north over the Orlando Metro area resulting in numerous reports of damage to trees and property.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Jul 18, 2:30 PM EST, 2 hours 25 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Melbourne FL 330 PM EDT Tue Jul 18 2017 .DISCUSSION... Currently/Tonight... Copious moisture, near full morning sun, and a near total absence of convective inhibition thru the column led to an early start of diurnal convection. Storms initialized over the Treasure Coast along the east coast sea breeze by 11AM and along the I-4 Corridor by midday. Will see additional development through late aftn as the sea breeze pushes west of I-95 and begins to interact with outflow boundaries generated by sct convection over the west half of the peninsula. Given the early start to convection, most of the available energy should be consumed by sunset, if not sooner. Expect an area of debris rain with isold embedded storms persisting thru mid evng, mainly south of the Orlando metroplex with activity ending before midnight. Skies clearing overnight with near avg min temps in the L/M70s. Wed-Wed Night... Little change to previous fcst philosophy. An H85-H30 short wave trough over the Deep South/Mid Atlc coast will combine with a weak H100-H70 low over west FL/east GOMex to keep the axis of the Atlc ridge surpressed over the south FL peninsula. This will maintain a mean S/SW flow thru the H100-H70 lyr, a pattern that favors the east peninsula for precip. Furthermore, the east peninsula will be on the ascending right flank of both the trough and the low which will enhance diurnal instability. Finally, H100-H50 moisture will remain plentiful as regional mean RH values are btwn 70-80pct thru the H100- H50 lyr. Combined, these WX elements should allow another round of likely precip with PoPs in the 60/70pct range, very similar to today's pattern. Convective initiation along the east coast sea breeze by midday, continuing to dvlp over the interior by mid aftn. Weak westerly mid/upper level flow will remain out of the west, suggesting potential for convection to blow back to the coast. Highs near seasonable levels for late July...U80s/L90s along the coast and L/M90 interior. Thu-Thu Night... Mid level area of low pressure just off the coast of the Carolinas is forecast to retrograde slightly to the southwest and be somewhere near the coast of the South Carolina/Georgia border by day's end. This will keep the Atlantic ridge axis farther to the south and keep the area in a south to southwest flow at the surface. Deep moisture in place (PWATS at or above 2.0") areawide and 500 mb temps forecast to be -7 to -8 Celsius should support scattered to numerous afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Have only bumped up PoPs slightly from the previous forecast mainly from the Cape southward along the coast. Going with likely PoPs all areas except coastal Volusia. A weak westerly steering flow suggests that there is a chance for some convection to push back toward the coast. Fri-Mon...(prev disc) Models in better agreement that the cutoff low will retrograde across north Florida late this week as the Atlantic high builds west toward the peninsula. Models have backed off on the decreasing moisture trend for now, and suggest levels that would support at least scattered afternoon convection each day. In fact, as the mid/upper level low passes just to the north on Friday, mid-level temps are forecast to cool to -8/-9C around 500mb, suggesting an increased prospect for strong/isolated severe storms during the afternoon. Temps forecast to remain within a few degrees of their typical late July values, low 90s across the interior and near 90 along the coast. && .AVIATION...Thru 19/18Z. Sfc winds: Coastal sites...thru 19/02Z E/SE 8-12KTS...btwn 19/02Z- 19/05Z bcmg S/SW AOB 3KTS...btwn 19/12z-19/15Z bcmg S/SW 5-8KTS. Interior sites...thru 18/20Z S/SW 5-8KTS bcmg E/SE 6-9KTS...btwn 19/01Z-19/04Z...bcmg S/SW AOB 3KTS...btwn 19/12z-19/15Z bcmg SW 4- 7KTS. Vsbys/WX/Cigs: Thru 19/00Z...nmrs MVFR shras/IFR tsras...slgt chc LIFR +tsras with sfc G35KTS. Btwn 19/00Z-19/03Z...chc MVFR shras/slgt chc IFR tsras. Aft 19/06Z...S of KFPR-KOBE slgt chc MVFR shras. && .MARINE... Tonight-Wed...Bermuda ridge axis over south FL/north Bahamas will maintain a light to gentle southerly breeze thru midweek. Sfc/bndry lyr winds will shift btwn S/SW at night/early morning to E/SE midday/early evening due to the seabreeze/land breeze circulation. Favorable boating conds as this pattern generates sea AOB 2FT nearshore and 2-3FT offshore. The moist southerly flow will continue to support scattered late night/early morning showers and storms, mainly over the Gulf Stream, as well as nmrs afternoon storms over land and the Intracoastal Waters. Thu-Sun...High pressure ridge will meander over central and south FL, resulting in a gentle south to southwest breeze that will become east/southeast as the sea breeze develops each afternoon. This pattern will continue to result in favorable boating conditions with seas generally in the 2-3FT range. The moist southerly wind flow will continue to support scattered night/morning showers and storms through mid week before coverage decreases some by late week. Some of the stronger afternoon storms over land should continue to impact the coastline. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... DAB 74 90 76 91 / 30 50 30 50 MCO 75 92 76 92 / 40 60 30 60 MLB 76 91 76 91 / 40 60 30 50 VRB 75 90 76 90 / 40 50 30 50 LEE 76 92 77 93 / 20 60 30 60 SFB 75 92 76 92 / 30 60 30 60 ORL 76 92 76 92 / 30 60 30 60 FPR 75 90 75 90 / 40 50 30 50 && .MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... FL...None. AM...None. && Short/Mid Term...Bragaw Aviation.........Johnson Impact WX........Smith
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Melbourne FL 549 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2017 AMZ550-552-555-570-572-575-FLZ041-044>047-053-054-058-059-064-141- 144-147-190000- 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 County- Northern Lake County-Orange-Seminole-Southern Brevard County- Osceola-Indian River-Okeechobee-St. Lucie-Martin- Coastal Volusia County-Southern Lake County- Northern Brevard County- 549 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2017 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT. .THUNDERSTORM IMPACT... A deep layer of moist southerly flow will produce scattered to numerous lightning storms this afternoon into early this evening. Convection will initiate near the coast along the east and west coast sea breezes by early afternoon. Then storm coverage will increase over the interior counties late this afternoon associated with boundary collisions, from Orlando metro southward across Osceola and Okeechobee counties. These boundary interactions over the interior will produce a few strong storms, containing winds gusts up to 50 mph, small hail, frequent lightning strikes, and very heavy rainfall. Some of these storms will push back to the coast this evening especially south of the Cape. .FLOOD IMPACT... Locally heavy rain accumulating up to 4 inches will cause temporary flooding of some roads and low lying areas. The greatest threat for heavy rain will be from Orlando metro area southward to Lake Okeechobee and over the coast from late afternoon through early evening. .RIP CURRENT IMPACT... A small east swell will generate a moderate rip current threat along the beaches of east central Florida. Always swim within sight of a lifeguard. .MARINE THUNDERSTORM GUST IMPACT... Scattered to numerous lightning storms are expected to develop this afternoon and early evening as the east and west coast sea breeze boundaries push inland and collide over the east side of the peninsula. A few strong storms are expected over the interior counties that will affect some of the inland lakes. The storms will push back toward the coast, mainly south of the Cape, toward sunset. Gusty winds of 35 to 40 knots and frequent lightning strikes will be the primary hazards. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY. Scattered to numerous lightning storms are expected each afternoon. The primary threats will be dangerous cloud to ground lightning and gusty winds. Slow moving storms will also produce very heavy rains resulting in temporary flooding of some roads and poor drainage areas. An east swell will produce a moderate risk of rip currents at the beaches. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are requested to monitor the weather and self activate if needed. In addition, please report any rainfall amounts greater than 3 inches to the National Weather Service. Kelly
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1235 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
FLZ054-058-059-064-181715-
St. Lucie FL-Okeechobee FL-Martin FL-Indian River FL-
1235 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ST. LUCIE...SOUTHEASTERN
OKEECHOBEE...SOUTHEASTERN INDIAN RIVER AND WESTERN MARTIN COUNTIES
UNTIL 115 PM EDT...
At 1235 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Fort Pierce to Tradition to near Indiantown.
Movement was northwest at 15 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Indiantown, Vero Beach South and White City.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 2699 8046 2713 8069 2719 8076 2753 8075
2775 8046 2743 8027 2727 8044
TIME...MOT...LOC 1635Z 134DEG 16KT 2743 8034 2728 8046 2707 8046
JohnsonSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
120 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
FLZ054-059-064-181815-
St. Lucie FL-Martin FL-Indian River FL-
120 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR ST. LUCIE...CENTRAL INDIAN RIVER
AND EASTERN MARTIN COUNTIES UNTIL 215 PM EDT...
At 119 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from 9 miles west of Fort Pierce to Port Saint
Lucie to near Hobe Sound. Movement was north at 15 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include...
Port Saint Lucie, Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Stuart and Vero Beach.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 2713 8040 2733 8063 2778 8074 2782 8052
2697 8012 2696 8027
TIME...MOT...LOC 1719Z 203DEG 16KT 2741 8051 2726 8035 2706 8019
JohnsonSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
217 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
FLZ047-181900-
Southern Brevard County FL-
217 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHEASTERN BREVARD COUNTY UNTIL
300 PM EDT...
At 217 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Melbourne, moving north at 15 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Palm Bay, Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa and Cocoa Beach.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 2800 8070 2834 8086 2834 8072 2838 8074
2838 8072 2834 8070 2834 8069 2836 8068
2834 8066 2840 8067 2841 8062 2840 8062
2837 8061 2835 8061 2834 8062 2834 8061
2802 8054
TIME...MOT...LOC 1817Z 159DEG 31KT 2809 8063
JohnsonSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
426 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
FLZ041-044-141-182130-
Northern Lake County FL-Inland Volusia County FL-
Coastal Volusia County FL-
426 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EAST CENTRAL LAKE AND CENTRAL
VOLUSIA COUNTIES UNTIL 530 PM EDT...
At 423 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a developing cluster of
strong thunderstorms near Lake Helen, Lake Kathryn, Deland
Highlands, and Cassadaga moving northeast at 10 to 15 mph.
Wind gusts up to 45 to 55 mph will be possible with these storms.
These storms may reach the coast near 530 pm.
Locations impacted include...
Deltona, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, Ormond Beach and DeLand.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, already on
saturated ground, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive
your vehicle through flooded roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning may occur 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.
&&
LAT...LON 2910 8090 2904 8086 2890 8113 2887 8157
2897 8153 2918 8137 2930 8101
TIME...MOT...LOC 2023Z 239DEG 15KT 2900 8113
SedlockSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
502 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
FLZ041-046-141-147-182200-
Northern Brevard County FL-Inland Volusia County FL-Seminole FL-
Coastal Volusia County FL-
502 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EASTERN SEMINOLE...NORTHWESTERN
BREVARD AND SOUTHEASTERN VOLUSIA COUNTIES UNTIL 600 PM EDT...
At 501 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Lake Ashby to Geneva and developing down
towards Chuluota. Movement was northeast at 10 to 15 mph.
Wind gusts up to 55 mph will be possible with these developing
storms.
Locations impacted include...
Oviedo, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater and Oak Hill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms, and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 2898 8081 2862 8082 2861 8124 2888 8116
2904 8086
TIME...MOT...LOC 2101Z 223DEG 27KT 2897 8101 2865 8114
SedlockSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
533 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
FLZ045-182215-
Orange FL-
533 PM EDT TUE JUL 18 2017
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN ORANGE COUNTY UNTIL
615 PM EDT...
At 531 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms near
Oak Ridge, moving northeast at 10 mph.
Wind gusts up to 50 mph and small hail will be possible with this
storm.
Locations impacted include...
Orlando, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Park and Maitland.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm 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.
&&
LAT...LON 2864 8133 2861 8133 2861 8130 2835 8123
2835 8151 2864 8154
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 225DEG 10KT 2844 8141
CombsThe Melbourne radar (KMLB), 84 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 21:54 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Pictures were received via social media showing that large tree branches had fallen on and caused damage to several cars. Nearby, other reports were received of numerous downed trees, with one building sustaining damage as a result of a tree falling on it.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2017Every state in 2017This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, July 2017
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 701311.