TAMPA, Fla. — Some parts of West Central Florida are getting a short break from the rain this evening, but more rain is expected to develop overnight. Rainfall totals across the area on Monday ranged from nothing in some spots to as much as 7 inches in others. The wet pattern is unusual for November, which is normally a dry month. The strong El Niño appears to be making its presence felt.
Heavy Rain North of Tampa Bay
Radar this evening shows a wide band of rain stretching from the Gulf coast across north-central Florida. Some of the heaviest rain, shown in orange and red, sits near Ocala and areas east toward Daytona and Deltona. Rain also covers Gainesville and Palm Coast.
Moderate rain is falling near Spring Hill and across Hernando and Citrus counties. Heavy storms are also active near Orlando and Winter Springs. Rain continues to push east toward the Atlantic coast.
Tampa Bay Gets a Brief Break
The Tampa Bay area is mostly dry this evening. Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and East Lake show little or no rain on radar. Bradenton, Sarasota, and North Port are also quiet for now.
That break is not expected to last long. More rain is forecast to develop overnight across the region. Residents should not be surprised if showers return before morning.
Storms Also Near Lake Wales and Kissimmee
South of Orlando, rain and storms are scattered near Kissimmee and Haines City. Heavier storms are showing up east of Lake Wales in southern Polk County and toward Highlands County. Some of those storms are bringing heavy downpours…