A prefrontal trough developed ahead of a cold front moving southeast through the eastern Gulf of Mexico and Florida Peninsula on the 20th, producing numerous thunderstorms. Some of these storms produced damaging wind gusts and hail across the Nature Coast and West Central Florida.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIGHLANDS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 16:30:00 to 20-MAR-18 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEBRING
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

The Highlands County 911 call center reported widespread wind damage throughout the county, with numerous trees and power lines down.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIGHLANDS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 16:35:00 to 20-MAR-18 16:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEBRING AIR TERMINAL
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The AWOS at Sebring Regional Airport reported a 62 MPH thunderstorm wind gust.

Hail in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 14:09:00 to 20-MAR-18 14:14:00 (EST-5)
Location: SAINT PETERSBURG
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter reported penny size hail in St. Petersburg.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 14:10:00 to 20-MAR-18 14:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPG-ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Two palm trees were reported on social media to be snapped in the Shore Acres area of St. Petersburg.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIGHLANDS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 16:15:00 to 20-MAR-18 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: SEBRING
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Highlands County emergency manager reported a downed tree on Lakeview Drive in Sebring.

Lightning in PINELLAS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 14:00:00 to 20-MAR-18 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GULFPORT
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Broadcast media reported that a travel trailer was destroyed in St. Petersburg in a fire that was sparked by a lightning strike. One dog was killed in the fire.

Thunderstorm Wind in HIGHLANDS, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 16:15:00 to 20-MAR-18 16:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILD IS
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highlands County emergency management reported a produce truck was overturned by thunderstorm wind gusts on SR 621 and Charlie Dr.

Hail in LEVY, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 12:25:00 to 20-MAR-18 12:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHIEFLAND
Magnitude: 1.25 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Levy County Public Works reported half dollar size hail in Chiefland.

Hail in SUMTER, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 13:38:00 to 20-MAR-18 13:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUSHNELL
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Sumter County Sheriff's Office reported nickel size hail in Wahoo.

Thunderstorm Wind in HARDEE, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 15:45:00 to 20-MAR-18 15:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: ONA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hardee County Emergency Management forwarded pictures of numerous large tree branches snapped and fences knocked down near Wauchula. A trampoline was also blown by the wind into a pickup truck, knocking out a side window.

Hail in HARDEE, FLORIDA
From 20-MAR-18 15:45:00 to 20-MAR-18 15:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: ZOLFO SPRINGS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Hardee County Emergency Management forwarded pictures of a window on a home that was broken by wind driven hail near Zolfo Springs.