Strong Storms Hit Florida: Possible Tornadoes Spotted, Woman Reportedly Struck by Lightning

By Sean Breslin

12 hours ago

weather.com

Lightning Strikes, Possible Tornadoes Moving Through Florida

At a Glance

Strong storms rolled through Florida on Tuesday, and heavy rain flooded streets in Bradenton.
A woman was reportedly struck by lightning near Apollo Beach, just south of Tampa.
Possible tornadoes were reported in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

A round of strong storms hit Florida on Tuesday, sparking lightning that reportedly injured one person and reports of possible tornadoes.

According to a storm report from the National Weather Service, a woman was struck by lightning on Del Webb Boulevard near Apollo Beach late Tuesday morning. The incident occurred in Sun City Center, southeast of Tampa.

At least two possible tornadoes were reported in Broward County Tuesday. One storm appeared over Fort Lauderdale and the other was spotted near the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, according to NWS.

(MORE: Severe Storms Could Return to the South Later This Week)

In Palm Beach County, a reported twister whipped up winds that took down tree branches and toppled a lifeguard post at Lion Country Safari, according to the amusement park's Twitter.

"Pockets of showers and thunderstorms will continue in the Florida Peninsula through Tuesday evening," said weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce. "Dry weather conditions will return Wednesday as the cold front responsible for the storms pushes offshore."

To the southwest, street flooding forced authorities to close some roads in Bradenton, the NWS also said. Drivers were asked to avoid the area around the 1800 block of 9th Avenue West because of flooding Tuesday afternoon.

Golf ball-sized hail fell Tuesday morning at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine.

More than 30 flights into and out of Orlando International Airport were canceled Tuesday, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware.

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