UPDATED 8:50 P.M.: A wind advisory will be in effect for all three Treasure Coast counties from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.

The National Weather Service, Melbourne, said west to southwest winds will increase to 20 to 30 mph on Friday across east central Florida, with winds gusts to 40 mph expected from late morning through the afternoon hours.

Drivers should exercise caution on roadways with strong winds expected. Loose outdoor objects may be blown around. Minor damage to trees and limbs, power lines and some property is possible.

3:25 P.M.: A significant weather advisory is in place for Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and southeastern Brevard and Okeechobee counties until 4 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Brevard, Indian River and Okeechobee counties until 9 p.m.

More:Record high temps in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach may make storms worse, expert says

A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for St. Lucie and Martin counties until 9 p.m.

ORIGINAL STORY

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of the Space and Treasure Coasts ahead of a potentially dangerous band of storms expected across the state Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Melbourne issued a tornado watch Thursday morning for most of Central Florida, including Brevard, Indian River, Orange and Volusia counties.

The watch is expected to last until 4 p.m.

As of 8 a.m., St. Lucie and Martin counties were not included in the advisory.

More:'Intense' storms could bring damaging winds, possible tornadoes, experts warn

More:Severe weather shelter opens in Vero Beach as potentially dangerous storms loom

Meteorologists said an "intense" storm front will move across the state starting in the afternoon. They expect winds up to 60 mph and rainfall of 4 inches or more in some areas, with the possibility of flooding, frequent lightning strikes, hail and tornadoes.

Forecasters expect the worst of the storm will last about two hours and will likely pass through the Treasure Coast sometime between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m, although dangerous conditions could last until 10 p.m. or later as the front makes its way southwest across the central part of the state.

This story will be updated.

Rogers is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm and FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact him at 772-978-2224 or eric.rogers@tcpalm.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricRogersFT.