Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Fort Myers area; torrential rainfall blasting SWFL
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin at 5:52 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. This warning applies to Charlotte, Highlands and Lee counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution, officials warn of hail as large as 1 inch.
The NWS warns: "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."
At 8:34 p.m. Saturday, Jun 28, the National Weather Service said strong thunderstorms will impact central Lee County through 9 p.m.
"Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms over Iona, or 7 miles southeast of Cape Coral. These storms were nearly stationary.
The weather service alerted residents to "wind gusts up to 40 mph and pea size hail."
"Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible," NWS said on its website.
Locations impacted include: Saint James City, San Carlos Park, Whiskey Creek, Page Park, Page Field Airport, McGregor, Punta Rassa, Fort Myers Villas, Pine Manor, Estero, Harlem Heights, Iona, Cypress Lake, Villas, Three Oaks, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and St. James City.
At 5:52 p.m., the NWS issued a statement:
"The National Weather Service in Ruskin has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Southeastern Highlands County in south central Florida, Southeastern Charlotte County in southwestern Florida, Northeastern Lee County in southwestern Florida, Until 6:30 p.m. EDT. At 5:52 p.m. EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 7 miles southeast of Sylvan Shores to near Olga, moving east at 10 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: Fort Myers Shores, Archbold, Olga, North Fort Myers, Brighton, Venus, Alva, Suncoast Estates, and Placid Lakes."
A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher or hail an inch in diameter or larger.
Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing.
Keep a battery-powered weather radio nearby in case of loss of power.
Remember to bring pets inside.
If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
Postpone outdoor activities until the storms have passed.
Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Fort Myers area
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