Florida is facing heightened flood concerns this week as an influx of rain, equating to around one month’s worth, is expected to hit the state in just a few days. The tropical moisture from the Caribbean is furthering the storms, creating a chaotic weather system over the state. Although the National Hurricane Center anticipates a low chance of these storms organizing into the first tropical depression of hurricane season as they drift off the Southeast coast, Florida will still be drenched by tropical downpours.
Over six million Floridians have received flood watch alerts.
The alerts are in effect for now at least until Wednesday evening. Depending on how the storms go, they could possibly be extended through to Friday. Southwest Florida is expected to be the hardest hit region of the state, with an expected 20 inches of rainfall headed to the area. Across the entirety of the state, at least 10 inches are expected to be collected by the end of the week. This intense rainfall exacerbates existing concerns as heavy rainstorms become more frequent and severe due to the effects of climate change. The daily downpours are further intensified by a surge of tropical moisture from the Caribbean.
Some parts of Florida will actually benefit from the rain, but overall, most are concerned.
About half of the state of Florida have been experiencing unusual dryness, which was more concerning to many over the storms. The drought conditions many have been dealing with in the state is completely out of the ordinary, so this influx of rainfall is leading some to celebrate the end of the drought, however it could flip the switch and lead the entire state in the opposite direction with floods. Furthermore, the continuous downpour saturates soil, swells waterways, and elevates the potential for flash flooding, particularly in urban or poorly drained areas.
The greatest risk for excessive rainfall remains in the southwestern Gulf Coast, from Sarasota to Everglades National Park. Here, the predictions estimate that they will see more than 10 inches of rainfall quickly. The risk, however, mainly comes from the fact that the rain will come in sporadic bursts of intense rain, which increases the risk of flash floods. Experts express concern to residents to follow guidelines set forth and to pay attention to active flood warnings and watches.
