The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Central Florida, including Pasco County, until 2:30 p.m.
Meteorologists in the Ruskin office detected a line of severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, according to the alert. The storms were located along a line extending from 14 miles northwest of Crystal River, to 35 miles west of Holiday.
The storms are moving east at 50 mph, and already have caused widespread damage across Levy County, weather officials said.
The alert affects areas locally like Spring Hill, Dade City and Zephyrhills.
Anyone in the storm’s path is advised to prepare immediately for damaging winds, destructive hail, and deadly lightning. People outside should most to a shelter, officials said, preferably inside a strong building, but away from windows.
The entire area remains under a tornado watch until 8 p.m.
