Millions Warned of Floods As Possible Tropical Storm Takes Shape
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Millions of people across Florida are under a flood watch on Tuesday afternoon as a storm system that could soon strengthen into Tropical Storm Dexter moves across the Sunshine State.
AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva told Newsweek he doubts the storm will form while it is moving over land. However, it is still expected to bring torrential rainfall that could spark flash floods.
Why It Matters
The ongoing flood watches came amid an active hurricane season and recent severe flooding events across the United States, which have resulted in extensive property damage and loss of life. Flooding remains the second-deadliest weather hazard in the U.S., behind extreme heat, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The latest alerts aimed to reduce risk by keeping residents informed and urging immediate safety precautions.
What to Know
Flood watches remained in effect for millions across Florida on Tuesday afternoon as a disorganized tropical disturbance threatened to deliver several inches of rain across the central part of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple alerts, warning of potential flooding in urban neighborhoods, low-lying areas, and near creeks and streams.
A stock photo of a flooded street in Florida.
A stock photo of a flooded street in Florida.
Bilanol/Getty
Officials cautioned residents from Florida's Gulf Coast to its Atlantic Coast to be prepared for swiftly changing conditions and potential travel disruptions as the storm system moved across the state.
Forecasts suggested widespread rainfall totals between 2 and 4 inches, with isolated areas seeing as much as 7 inches by Tuesday evening. Authorities emphasized the risk posed by flooding, including rapidly rising waters in streams and dangerous road conditions in both cities and rural areas.
Flood watches issued by the NWS extended across significant portions of the state, including west central areas such as Sumter, Pinellas, Polk, Hardee, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Levy counties. Alerts also covered regions near Tallahassee and parts of northeast and central Florida, including Flagler, Putnam, Volusia, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties. Major cities under watch included Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Ocala, and Daytona Beach, among others.
The storm system has a 40 percent chance of strengthening into Tropical Storm Dexter within the next 48 hours.
"Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida through Wednesday," the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in a Tuesday forecast. "Heavy rainfall could also cause flash flooding for portions of the north-central Gulf Coast beginning Wednesday and continuing through Friday. For additional information, please refer to products issued by your local National Weather Service office."
What People Are Saying
An NHC forecast said: "This system is currently producing disorganized shower and thunderstorm activity, and little development is expected through tonight while the center is over land. Once the system reaches the northeastern Gulf on Wednesday, environmental conditions appear generally favorable for additional development, and a tropical depression could form while the system moves across the northeastern and north-central Gulf and approaches the coast of Louisiana on Thursday."
NWS Tampa Bay in a flood warning: "Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or drive cars through flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles."
What Happens Next
Most flood watches were scheduled to expire by Tuesday evening. Weather forecasters continued to monitor the potential tropical system for any additional development, which could prolong hazardous conditions into Wednesday or longer in affected areas. Residents and travelers should consult the latest NWS updates and prepare for possible flash flood warnings if local conditions worsen.
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