Florida faces multiday flash-flood threat with large waves expected to pound Atlantic coast
The FOX Forecast Center said the heavy rain threat is due to a stationary cold front along the Florida Straits, as well as the approach of a low-pressure system from the Gulf of Mexico. The combination of both will allow periods of heavy precipitation and possible thunderstorms to drench the region starting Wednesday and lasting well into the weekend.
Flash flood risk rising in Florida as heavy rain gets set to move in
Heavy rain is expected to drench Florida through the end of the week, and concerns are growing that the rain could lead to flash flooding.
MIAMI – It’s going to be a messy end to the week across Florida as wet, unsettled weather returns to the Sunshine State and raises the risks of flash flooding and coastal flooding.
The FOX Forecast Center said this is due to a stationary cold front along the Florida Straits, as well as the approach of a low-pressure system from the Gulf of Mexico.
The combination of both will allow periods of heavy precipitation and possible thunderstorms to drench the region, lasting well into the weekend.
Florida faces multiday flash-flood risk
Future radar and clouds showing conditions in Florida through Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.
(FOX Weather)
NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center has increased the likelihood of flash flooding across portions of South Florida through the end of the workweek.
Thursday appears to be the day with the best chance of flash flooding from Miami through Fort Lauderdale and the West Palm Beach area.
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And while chances for flash flooding decrease on Friday, people in those areas need to remain on guard for additional flooding if heavy rain continues to soak the region.
On Saturday, most of the Florida Peninsula will be at risk of flash flooding with the arrival of the low-pressure system from the Gulf of Mexico.
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So, in addition to South Florida, Central Florida and north toward the Florida-Georgia line need to be on guard.
This includes the west coast of Florida from Napes through Fort Myers, Tampa and Cedar Key. On the east coast, Port St. Lucie, Melbourne, Orlando, Daytona Beach and Jacksonville all face a likely flash-flood risk on Saturday.
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Flood Watches are now in effect in southeastern Florida in areas where flash flooding is most likely. These alerts could be expanded depending on how much rain falls over the coming days.
"It’s a good idea, also, if you’re traveling but also if you’re local, don’t park your car in the street in southeast Florida over the next couple of days," FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said. "Get it up higher, closer to your garage or maybe in a parking garage if you live in an apartment complex. It’s not a good idea to leave it out on the street because we do have a high chance for street flooding."
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Large waves to slam Florida’s Atlantic coast
(FOX Weather)
The National Weather Service office in Melbourne, Florida, said increasing onshore easterly winds are expected to bring hazardous surf, life-threatening rip currents and the potential for coastal flooding and significant beach erosion to coastal communities through the end of the week.
High Surf Advisories have been issued up and down Florida’s Atlantic coast from the Florida-Georgia line to Fort Lauderdale due to large waves that are expected to slam into the coast.
The NWS in Melbourne said large waves between 5 and 13 feet are expected in the surf zone in Volusia, Indian River, Saint Lucie and Brevard counties starting Wednesday night.
Waves of 7-10 feet are expected elsewhere along the eastern Florida Peninsula.
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How much rain is Florida getting?
(FOX Weather)
The Sunshine State isn’t expected to live up to its nickname this week because of the impending storm. And forecasters expect several inches of rain to fall by the start of next week.
So, how much rain is going to fall in Florida? A lot.
South Florida, which has already seen its fair share of heavy rain, including a Flash Flood Emergency in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year, is expected to pick up between 5 and 8 inches of rain this week.
Elsewhere, a majority of the state will see up to 5 inches of rain, with lower amounts expected south of Tampa.
High rainfall totals are also expected in western areas of the Florida Panhandle, with lower amounts expected toward the Florida-Alabama state line.
East Coast could see slow early-Christmas travel
(FOX Weather)
Once the low-pressure system slides across the Florida Peninsula and emerges into the Atlantic Ocean, the FOX Forecast Center expects it to begin to slide up the East Coast.
That's not good news for people planning on traveling early ahead of the holidays.
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The FOX Forecast Center said there is the potential for heavy rain, gusty winds and even snow in interior portions of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
However, if you’re one of the tens of millions of people living along the Interstate 95 corridor hoping for snow to see a white Christmas, we have some bad news. This is expected to be an all-rain event in major cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington.
And no matter what type of precipitation falls, whether it’s rain or snow, there will likely be an impact on travel both on the roads and at our nation’s major airports.
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