Nestor is leaving, but it was more than a nuisance for some Floridians

Nestor is moving away from the Sunshine State, but the storm was much more than a nuisance for some Floridians.

At least three tornadoes have been confirmed across the peninsula, and heavy rain and storm surge caused moderate flooding across portions of the panhandle.

The season’s 14th tropical storm spawned powerful super cell thunderstorms that produced at least three confirmed tornadoes. One of them was particularly strong in Polk County just before midnight Friday night. The tornado damaged several structures, including a middle school, and even flipped a semi truck on I-4 near Lakeland. Other tornadoes were reported in the town of Seminole near Saint Petersburg and in Cape Coral.

A storm surge of up to three feet and torrential rains also berated Florida’s Big Bend overnight Friday, where moderate coastal flooding was reported. Heavy rain was also reported in portions of central Florida, were five inches have been estimated along I-4 between Orlando and Daytona Beach.

Post-tropical Storm Nestor will continue to accelerate northeastward, and by this evening, the majority of the rain shield will exit the Florida peninsula. However, southwesterly winds will continue, so a few showers or thunderstorms are possible through early evening Saturday.

Nestor’s influence on our state’s weather will diminish Sunday, and skies will become mostly sunny by late morning in most areas. Drier air will surge in from the northwest, giving most Floridians a break from the unsettled weather through Monday.