An updated weather forecast issued by AccuWeather shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Monday reports the weather system will continue to bring the threat of a major flooding event to the northern and western parts of the state through the middle of this week.
The tropical downpours are expected to drop from one to three inches of rain in some areas daily, with some locations getting that much in as many hours. Florida residents in these areas can expect the downpours to last for the next four or five days, and possibly into the coming weekend.
“We are looking at an unsettled period of wet weather across North Florida,” said Kelly Godsey, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. Red Flags are already up long many of the coastal beaches in western Florida, as rough surf and dangerous rip tides keep people out of the water.
The rainfall total is still expected to exceed five inches, a cause for concern because this amount of rainfall over a large area causes excessive run-off, leading to small stream and river flooding as well as flash floods. People have been warned to be extra cautious when driving, especially when navigating streets and underpasses in low-lying areas.
Weather officials are saying that areas from Cape Coral and Tampa to Tallahassee and Apalachicola are at the greatest risk for flooding into Tuesday. Residents and visitors are being asked to prepare for road closures and possible evacuations.
“The risk of urban flooding will increase in Mobile, Alabama, Biloxi, Mississippi, and New Orleans during the middle and latter part of the week,” according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.
