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- Florida in danger as storm system threatens weekend weather hell (irishstar.com)
Florida Braces for Weekend Weather Disruption as NHC Monitors Developing Tropical System
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is closely tracking a potential tropical development that could bring significant weather changes to Florida this weekend. While the system’s chance of officially forming into a named storm remains low—currently about 10% over the next seven days—Floridians are advised to prepare for substantial impacts.
Expected to form near the northwestern Bahamas or southern Florida by Saturday, this disturbance is already behaving like a tropical storm. Moisture is surging onshore, and heavy rain is falling along the coast, even without it being a named system. Regardless of its development status, the system is forecast to bring increased rainfall, gusty winds, and the potential for localized flooding, particularly along Florida’s east coast.
Key Impacts and Warnings:
The most significant threat from this evolving weather pattern is localized flooding, with Volusia and Brevard counties identified as areas of particular concern. Along the coast, winds are intensifying, and surf conditions are becoming rough, leading to the formation of dangerous rip currents that make beach conditions especially hazardous.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a rip current warning, effective from Thursday through Friday night, for several coastal regions. Areas expected to experience the strongest rip currents include Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Melbourne, and South Florida.
The NWS emphasizes critical safety advice for swimmers: “Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Swim near a lifeguard.
If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don’t swim against the current.
If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”
In contrast, the Tampa Bay area is anticipated to remain relatively calm, though experts still advise swimmers there to exercise caution.
This unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist through the weekend as the system gradually moves across Florida and into the eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Atlantic Disturbance Also Under NHC Watch
Meanwhile, the NHC is also monitoring a separate tropical wave currently advancing off the African coast. This system carries a modest 20% probability of development over the coming week.
While this disturbance poses no immediate danger to Florida or the Gulf region, it serves as a reminder that hurricane season is not yet over. The NHC notes that tropical formations in October and November typically emerge closer to Florida or the Gulf, rather than in the deep Atlantic waters. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, as these late-season systems can intensify rapidly and produce significant impacts, even if they do not reach hurricane strength.
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