Florida Already Experiencing Impacts of Tropical Rainstorm
Alexis Thornton
15 hours agoA tropical rainstorm will continue to dump heavy rain across Florida before moving on to the Gulf Coast by the middle of the week. Here is a look at this soggy forecast for the Sunshine State and beyond.
Florida Braces for Tropical Rainstorm
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been monitoring an area of development in the tropics since late last week. On Monday, the NHC designated the cluster of rain showers and thunderstorms as Invest 93L after it began to show more signs of organization on the Atlantic coast of Florida. The sun set on the peninsula on Monday with the tropical rainfall already creeping across the region.
The forecast is calling for the heavy rain to persist across Florida through the day Tuesday and into the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of over 4 inches are a possibility in the hardest-hit areas.
Low-lying areas and urban locations throughout central Florida will see the highest risk of flooding concerns. In addition to the influx of tropical moisture, the system will also usher in rough surf conditions and strong rip currents to area beaches.
The silver lining is that the moisture will help to chip away at the drought that has been posing problems for much of Florida. According to the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 50% of Florida is under the status of abnormally dry conditions. About 16% of the state is designated as being in a moderate drought. The conditions are the worst in South Florida.
Looking at a few individual forecasts, Miami is in store for a messy Tuesday morning commute with scattered thunderstorms that linger into the afternoon and evening hours. The largest metro area in South Florida should prepare for times of heavy rain. Temperatures will not vary significantly throughout the day, holding steady in the low 80s even after the sun goes down.
The day will start on a calm note in Tampa on Tuesday. The threat of rain and storms will set in overnight with about a half of an inch of rainfall on deck. Highs will hit the upper 80s before sliding into the mid 70s overnight.
The northeastern corner of the peninsula will dodge the worst of the precipitation. For instance, Jacksonville will just see a slight chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. You can expect highs in the upper 80s and lows that dip into the mid 70s under partly cloudy skies. It will be a bit breezy with winds coming from the northeast at speeds of 10 to 15 mph.