Stormy weather expected across Central Florida amid major local developments

Stormy weather expected across Central Florida as multiple major developments unfold

Central Florida will see increasing showers and storms Friday and through the weekend, with a roughly 60% chance of rain, high temperatures in the low 90s, and repeated storm threats that include gusty winds, heavy downpours and isolated minor flooding. The weather comes as officials investigate a fatal police shooting in downtown Orlando and a federal judge ordered removal of expansion elements from a controversial immigrant detention facility, while other state developments include a new Polk County emergency response center, a successful SpaceX launch and regional legal and policy actions.

What residents need to know now

Friday morning should begin with sunshine across much of Central Florida, but storms will build by midday as a southwest steering flow pushes activity inland from the Gulf and I-75 corridor. Storms are expected to move eastward through the afternoon, producing gusty winds and heavy rainfall at times. Weekend mornings are likely to be the driest windows for outdoor plans; afternoons and evenings will again favor storm development. High surf and dangerous rip currents are affecting the east coast due to Hurricane Erin, with waves exceeding 8 feet in some areas and a High Surf Advisory in effect.

Public safety and emergency response

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating an early Friday morning incident in downtown Orlando where an Orlando police officer shot and killed an armed man. Officials have identified the location and nature of the incident, and the investigation remains active as evidence and circumstances are reviewed.

Polk County officials opened a new emergency response facility designed to support storm response operations. The facility includes a warehouse and staging area to preposition supplies and equipment ahead of tropical or severe weather, aiming to shorten response times and improve coordination among county and state agencies.

Legal and policy developments

A federal judge issued an injunction halting parts of the planned expansion of the immigrant detention facility known colloquially in some discussions as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The injunction requires state and federal authorities to remove key elements of the expansion within 60 days, pending further legal proceedings. Separately, multiple Florida municipalities joined a lawsuit challenging a new development law that limits local government control over projects tied to disaster recovery, arguing the law reduces local authority in ways that could hamper long-term community resilience.

Space, business and family court updates

SpaceX completed a successful launch of the USSF-36 mission, marking the eighth flight of the U.S. Space Force’s X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle. The mission adds to ongoing military and research operations in orbit.

L3Harris, an aerospace and defense company operating on the Space Coast, is expanding operations to support the Department of Defense’s Golden Dome initiative. The expansion is intended to increase capacity for defense-related projects and workforce activity in the region.

In Seminole County, a judge is working to establish a Family Treatment Court to address cases where substance abuse affects family stability. The initiative focuses on coordinated treatment and court supervision as alternatives to traditional case handling, aiming to improve long-term outcomes for affected families and children.

Weather details and hazards

Forecast models show persistent high humidity and daily storm chances through the coming days. Storms will likely include frequent lightning, brief but intense rainfall, and the possibility of damaging wind gusts. Repeated rounds of heavy rain create a risk for minor flooding, especially in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Coastal areas from the Treasure Coast northward should expect dangerous surf and strong rip currents linked to Hurricane Erin.

What to watch next

• Monitor local forecasts and afternoon storm development for changing timing and intensity.
• Heed beach advisories and stay out of the water while High Surf and rip current warnings are in effect.
• Watch for official updates on the Orlando police investigation and the federal injunction related to the detention facility.
• Follow local emergency management guidance if heavy rainfall leads to localized flooding.

Background

Central Florida routinely experiences afternoon and evening storms in the summer months as daytime heating interacts with humid Gulf and Atlantic air. The region’s vulnerability to coastal surf and rip currents increases when tropical systems pass offshore. Legal disputes over detention facilities and development laws reflect ongoing debates about state authority, federal oversight and local control. Investments in emergency response infrastructure are part of broader efforts across Florida to improve readiness for storms and other emergencies. Military and aerospace activity along the Space Coast continues to influence regional economics and infrastructure needs.