Tropical Storm-Like Conditions Hit Florida Causing Flooding Rains and Gusty Winds

A storm system without a name caused significant impacts in Florida on Wednesday, including flooding and power outages. The effects of the storm are expected to continue for at least another day. Forecast models predict that some areas may receive more than a foot of rain by Friday, adding to the already record-breaking rainfall levels experienced in the state this year. The Sunshine State began experiencing abundant tropical moisture on Tuesday, with repeated showers and thunderstorms expected to continue through Thursday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Prediction Center has upgraded the excessive rainfall risk in Central and South Florida to a Level 2 out of 4, as rain rates could reach over an inch an hour. On Wednesday evening, poweroutage.us reported that at least 20,000 customers were without electricity due to the combination of strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall. Miami-Dade and Broward counties were put under a Flash Flood Warning, and Broward County Public Schools and Broward College canceled classes on Thursday due to the inclement weather. A Flood Watch has been issued for parts of Central South Florida through Thursday. The additional rain comes as South Florida is already water-logged, with Fort Lauderdale receiving a record-breaking 2.75 inches of rain on Tuesday, pushing its annual precipitation to over 100 inches. The Gulf Coast has experienced below-average rainfall, but rain finally fell in Tampa Bay on Tuesday after 23 consecutive days without precipitation. The National Weather Service reported that Ruskin set a new daily rainfall record on Tuesday after not recording any rainfall since October 21. The storm has also been outlined by the National Hurricane Center for possible tropical development, although the chances remain very low. The system is producing dangerous conditions on Florida’s Atlantic beaches, including life-threatening rip currents and dangerous surf. Coastal flood alerts have been issued for Gulf Coast areas from Louisiana to Florida’s Panhandle, and a Wind Advisory has been issued for the New Orleans area. The Gulf Coast has been experiencing long-term drought conditions, with over half of Louisiana in a state of ‘exceptional drought’ and almost 90% of Mississippi experiencing extreme and exceptional drought conditions. However, more than a week of rain will not be enough to end the drought in either state. Regular rainfall events will be needed to provide relief.