Fortnite Weather Forecast Calls for Heavy Storms: Jan. 11 Hotfix Patch Explained

Epic Games has released a small patch and hotfix for Fortnite today, Jan. 11.

There’s a new update to the weather forecast of Fortnite Island this week. Players may find themselves subject to heavy storms and natural disasters while fighting their way through Fortnite Battle Royale. According to the latest news post on Epic’s Fortnite news site, “tornados and lightning” will be joining the list of natural elements on the Island.

Additionally, developers have decided to unvault the fiery Flare Gun.

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There are two takes of weather patterns players will start to see on Fortnite Island at the start of this week. As stated above, these are tornados and thunderstorms. Both appear to be indicated by a collection of dark clouds above the immediate area they will impact. However, their interactions with players and the environment differ.

Tornados in Fortnite

Look out, loopers. It’s a twister! Tornados will begin to make their way onto Fortnite Island this week from now until Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. ET. During this time, there’s a higher chance to see this windy weather pattern occur.

Don’t worry, you won’t be whisked away to a magical land with nothing but a pair of bright red shoes on your feet. Instead, once the tornado has touched down, Epic encourages players to take full advantage by running right into the center of the storm.

Those who interact with it will be pulled in and up until they choose to glide away or it spits them out on its own. Either way, fall damage does not apply.

Tornados are not scheduled to appear in competitive mode at the time of writing.

Thunderstorms in Fortnite

Curious about what its like to get struck by lightning? Fortnite has you covered—with a much higher chance, to boot. Those who find themselves the target of a thunderbolt will lose a bit of health, of course, but be instantly blessed with a temporary boost to their speed.

Players can increase their chances of getting struck by jumping into the water or climbing to the highest altitude under the storm’s radius. However, once struck, it’s significantly unlikely they won’t be hit again—at least, not right away.

Zaps to the environment may also end up sparking a fire.

The Return of the Flare Gun in Fortnite

Flare Guns are back and put the power of flame in the hands of their wielder. Players can use the gun to start fires wherever they’d like. These can be found in Chests, scattered on the ground, or from Supply Drops.

Flare Guns are not subject to appear in competitive mode at the time of writing—but they may be introduced after an evaluation period.