Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – Over seven million residents along Florida’s eastern coast, from Cape Canaveral to Miami, are bracing for potentially severe flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch effective from Wednesday to Thursday, encompassing major urban areas such as Melbourne, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
Since Tuesday morning, meteorological models have indicated a significant risk of heavy rainfall along the urban Interstate 95 corridor, particularly from West Palm Beach to Miami. Forecasts suggest the possibility of six inches or more of rain, posing a serious threat to these densely populated regions.
The looming weather event is primarily driven by an inverted trough—an area of converging air—approaching from the Bahamas. Inverted troughs are known to catalyze showers and thunderstorms, setting the stage for this potentially severe rain event.
Location of Heaviest Rainfall Uncertain
The uncertainty about where the heaviest rainfall will occur remains a challenge for meteorologists. The key factor lies in the positioning of a slow-moving frontal boundary lifting northward from the Florida Keys. If this boundary stalls, it could result in prolonged thunderstorms, leading to flash flooding.
The Setup For Flooding
Compounding the situation is the alignment of the heaviest rain, storms, and onshore winds with the high tide, which could exacerbate flooding issues. Florida meteorologists have raised concerns about this setup, reminiscent of past events that have caused significant rainfall, with rates of one to two inches per hour and total accumulations surpassing six inches in just a few hours.
Forecast models, as of Tuesday afternoon, consistently indicate that a localized area between West Palm Beach and Miami could receive six to twelve inches of rain by Thursday afternoon. Meteorologists emphasize the difficulty in predicting the exact location of the highest rainfall. However, the convergence of these weather conditions could overwhelm infrastructure and pose life-threatening conditions, particularly if roads become inundated.
Eastern Florida – Wettest Year on Record
Notably, the eastern half of Florida, the region under threat, is currently free of drought conditions. Fort Lauderdale, within the watch area, has already experienced extreme weather this year. On April 12, the city recorded a staggering 22.5 inches of rain in a single day at its airport, shattering the previous record set in 1979. This event has contributed to Fort Lauderdale’s wettest year on record, with a total of 98.25 inches of rain, significantly above the average.
Residents Urged To Stay Alert
A flash flood watch remains in effect.Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay alert and follow updates from local authorities and weather services. Precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary travel and preparing for potential flooding, are highly recommended.
