PENSACOLA, FL — A large cluster of storms over the Gulf is moving north toward the northern Gulf Coast this weekend. The system is not a named tropical storm, but it is expected to bring rainfall similar to one. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Heavy rain is expected across those areas Saturday and Sunday.
Satellite Shows a Large, Intense Storm Cluster Over the Gulf
Saturday morning satellite imagery from 7:05 AM Central time showed a sprawling area of deep thunderstorms over the central and eastern Gulf. The coldest cloud tops, near minus 70 to minus 80 degrees Celsius, point to very strong storm activity within the cluster.
Lightning detection showed 267 flashes across the region at the time of the image. The storm mass covers a wide area of open water south of the Gulf Coast and west of the Florida peninsula.
Storm Cluster Moving North Toward the Northern Gulf Coast
The cluster is drifting north toward the coastline from southeast Louisiana through the Florida Panhandle. As it moves closer, rain bands are expected to spread inland across coastal communities.
Areas near New Orleans, Gulfport, Mobile, Pensacola, and Panama City sit within the zone expected to see heavy rain. Rain could become steady at times as the moisture-rich system pushes onshore through the weekend.
Flood Watches Cover Parts of the Central Gulf Coast
Flood Watches have been issued for parts of the region highlighted for the heaviest rain. The watches cover areas along the central Gulf Coast where repeated downpours could lead to flooding…