Central Florida Under Tornado Watch

BRADENTON, FL — A tornado watch is in effect until 4 p.m. Thursday for central Florida, according to the National Weather Service.

The following counties are included in the tornado watch:

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Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendree, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole and Volusia.

Polk County Public Schools announced that all outdoor afternoon activities have been canceled for Thursday. All midday field trips, taking place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., have also been canceled.

"Polk County Public Schools is working with Polk County Emergency Management to monitor weather conditions, and will take every appropriate precaution to ensure the safety of our students as the storm makes its way through our area," said district officials. "Again, all outdoor afternoon activities and midday field trips have been canceled for Thursday."

Image courtesy National Weather Service