Residents are bracing for severe weather in Florida this weekend, with unusually strong storms. The central Atlantic Coast may receive some of the strongest impacts.The expected weather will likely cause further delays to an already backed up launch schedule at Cape Canaveral, as well as delays at the Port Canaveral Cruise Port.
The culprit is a deepening low pressure system developing in the Gulf of Mexico. The system is forecast to move from southwest to northeast across the Florida peninsula this weekend, inundating parts of Florida with up to 10 inches of rain. Coastal flood watches are up for much of the state’s shoreline. The National Weather Service warns that the central Florida coast may experience significant coastal flooding, and has also issued a High Surf Advisory. The Advisory warns of large breaking waves of 5 to 12 feet in the surf zone, as well as dangerous rip currents. Beach erosion is probable and will likely impact areas still recovering from recent hurricanes.
A Gale Warning is also in effect, with strong northeasterly winds forecast to gust to over 40 mph. The northeasterly wind direction is significant, as it will drive water into the Atlantic Shoreline.
On the other side of the state, the Tampa Bay region is bracing for the potential of coastal flooding as well as inland river flooding in the vicinity of Tampa Bay. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flooding Watch for that area. Winds gusting to 40 mph are also forecast for that region Saturday night and Sunday.
There is a GaleWarning until 7 AM EST Sunday for Waters from Bonita Beach to Englewood FL out 20 to 60 nautical miles (NM)-Waters from Englewood to Tarpon Springs FL out 20 to 60 NM-Waters from Tarpon Springs to Suwannee River FL out 20 to 60 NM.
If you have travel plans to or from Florida this weekend, it is recommended that you contact your airline or cruise line for updates.
The system bringing the severe weather to Florida should be clear of the state by Sunday night, however windspeeds are forecast to remain in the 20 mph range through Tuesday.
