A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for portions of Orange, Osceola, and Brevard counties as of 3:15 p.m. Friday. The National Weather Service issued the warning for areas including western Brevard, central Osceola, and eastern Orange. Residents are urged to seek shelter immediately as large hail and damaging winds are possible. The warning covers a wide area from the Kennedy Space Center to the Orlando metropolitan region. The storms are moving northeast at 30 mph, according to the latest advisory. Lightning detection networks show frequent strikes across the Space Coast and surrounding areas. Local emergency management officials have activated weather response teams. In Brevard County, the storm is expected to linger longer than in neighboring counties. The Kennedy Space Center has issued a weather alert for its operations, potentially delaying launches scheduled for later this week. At least two tornado watches are also in effect for central Florida. Meteorologists note the storms are fueled by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with cooler air from the north. Residents in affected areas are advised to monitor radar updates and avoid driving during the storm. Power outages are possible, with Florida Power & Light reporting pre-storm preparations underway. Schools in western Brevard have closed early, and several major highways are experiencing delays. The storm is expected to weaken by late evening but could produce heavy rain and flooding in low-lying areas. The National Weather Service will issue updates every hour. Local radio stations are broadcasting emergency information on loop. Officials emphasize that this is the first major storm system of the season, with similar events expected in the coming weeks.