Thunderstorms expected, severe weather possible Friday

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Southwest Florida could experience another round of severe weather on Friday as thunderstorms develop in the Gulf of Mexico, WINK News Chief Meteorologist Jim Farrell said.

The risk of severe weather was low as of Thursday evening, Farrell said. Strong thunderstorms are expected to move into the region at about 10 a.m., reach Lee County during lunchtime and move into Collier County by the afternoon.

The storms are connected to a larger weather system that is expected to blanket the Northeast with snow and blizzard conditions.

Southwest Florida could experience over an inch of rainfall on Friday, along with strong onshore winds and higher tides through Saturday, Farrell said.

The region will be cooler over the weekend as temperatures will drop into the 60s.