MIAMI – Parts of Florida are at high risk of flooding, with over 7 million people being warned to stay alert. Some areas may receive more than a foot of rain by the end of the week, which could add to the already record-breaking rainfall levels experienced in the state this year.
Abundant tropical moisture began surging into the Sunshine State on Tuesday, and repeated showers and thunderstorms Wednesday are continuing a days-long threat of flash flooding on Florida’s Atlantic coast, including the Miami area.
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has upgraded the region’s excessive rainfall risk to a Level 3 out of 4 in South Florida, as rain rates could reach three inches an hour.
A Flood Watch has been issued for parts of South Florida until 10 a.m. Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected, and King Tides are occurring, which may result in localized flooding.
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Numerous flash floods are possible through Wednesday night, the FOX Forecast Center warns. Overall, rainfall totals will likely reach 5-8 inches across much of the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area by Thursday, with isolated areas receiving as much as 10-12 inches.
The additional rain comes as South Florida is already water-logged this week. Fort Lauderdale received 2.75 inches of rain Tuesday – a record for the day and pushing its annual precipitation to over 100 inches, marking only the second time the city has reached the century mark on record.
“Last night (Tuesday) was a tough one. We knew that it would be,” FOX Weather meteorologist Britta Merwin said. “This is a spot that has been hit too hard this year. You know, the rain yesterday pushed them over the limit, figuratively and in reality.”
Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast has had below-average rainfall, but according to the National Weather Service, rain finally fell in Tampa Bay on Tuesday after 23 consecutive days without precipitation.
However, the records did not stop there. The NWS said after not recording any rainfall since October 21, Ruskin set a new daily rainfall record for Tuesday with 0.87 inches, breaking the old record of 0.53 inches in 1997.
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The National Hurricane Center has even outlined the storm for possible tropical development, though it is still a very low chance.
“Just because this is tagged by the Hurricane Center, it does not change the impacts,” Merwin said. “And when you’re talking about weak tropical systems and also non-tropical systems, it is truly about the impact. And we know the impact we’re going to have – flooding rain.”
The FOX Forecast Center said the system is also producing dangerous conditions on Florida’s Atlantic beaches, including life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf.
Additionally, the Gulf Coast coastal areas stretching from Louisiana to Florida’s Panhandle are under coastal flood alerts until Thursday. Gusty east winds of up to 45 mph are pushing elevated tides into the coastal lowlands, and causing some beach erosion and minor shoreline flooding.
A Wind Advisory has also been issued for New Orleans area, effective until Thursday morning for gusts of 40-45 mph.
The Gulf Coast has been experiencing long-term drought conditions, making the recent rains a welcome sight.
Over half of Louisiana is currently in a state of ‘exceptional drought,’ the worst drought level. This has led to wildfires and smoky conditions, making driving dangerous and the air unhealthy. In Mississippi, almost 90% of the state is experiencing extreme and exceptional drought conditions.
Unfortunately, more than a week of rain won’t be enough to end the drought in either state. Regular rainfall events will be needed to provide relief from the drought.