Under tornado watch

Weather advisory in effect until 6 a.m.

Anticipating severe weather overnight, forecasters put South Florida under a tornado watch from 10 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday.

Hurricane-force winds, heavy rains and possible tornadoes were expected to roll through South Florida and most of the state overnight, the National Weather Service said. A tornado watch means that the atmosphere will likely be conducive for a tornado.

Thunderstorms were expected to arrive in Palm Beach County between midnight and 4 a.m. Monday and in Broward County between 1 and 5 a.m., forecasters at the weather service said.

As of 10 p.m., less than 150 Florida Power & Light customers in Broward and Palm Beach counties were without power, according to the company’s website.

Strong winds — above minimal hurricane strength of 74 mph — were expected with the fast-moving squall line as it whips through South Florida into the Atlantic, Garcia said.

“We have the potential for a pretty significant weather outbreak over much of the state,” said meteorologist Robert Garcia.

Gov. Rick Scott said he was monitoring weather conditions and cautioned people to be alert.

In Central Florida, a tornado was reportedly spotted near the Winter Park and Maitland areas. A second tornado was reported in Flagler County near Palm Coast. Quarter-sized hail was reported in Lake County, according to the National Weather Service. More than 7,000 people in Central Florida were without power as of 9 p.m.

The same weather system has already proved deadly in the