SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Enjoy tonight’s calm conditions — they won’t last long. A surge of tropical moisture is heading toward Florida, bringing afternoon and evening storms Friday through next Thursday, with Sunday’s excessive rain risk as the main concern.
Friday: Calm Before the Storm
Friday morning starts mostly sunny, but don’t let that fool you. Scattered storms develop at anytime with a 40% rain chance. Some storms could produce heavy rainfall at times.
Saturday: Rain Increases
Saturday morning looks quiet, but the pattern shifts by afternoon. Rain chances jump to 60%, with storms intensifying late afternoon and evening. This is when heavier downpours become likely.
For boaters: Tomorrow (Friday) offers the best window. South winds at 5 knots and seas under a foot make for smooth conditions.
Sunday: First Alert Weather Excessive Rain Concern
This is the day to watch. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a marginal risk for flooding Sunday morning through Monday morning. While major river and stream flooding isn’t expected, streets could become impassable due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage in some isolated areas.
The atmosphere is “juiced up” with tropical moisture — some areas already received 4+ inches in the past 24 hours. Expect most of the area to see significant rainfall Sunday.
What to Do NowAvoid unnecessary travel Sunday, especially through areas prone to floodingKeep pets indoors during heavy downpoursStay with First Alert Weather for updates on rainfall totals and any street floodingCharge devices in case of power issues from heavy rain
Strong winds and dry air to shear Dolly by the time it reaches the Leeward islands in the Caribbean. The moisture left behind from this system could move into Florida next week(WWSB)
Rain chances stay elevated through next Thursday. Tropical moisture will continue streaming in, with what’s left of Tropical Storm Dolly potentially bringing additional moisture by Wednesday. While Dolly is weakening due to wind shear and dry air, it could still impact conditions across the region.
Bottom line: Enjoy tonight’s calm conditions. Prepare for a wet weekend with Sunday as the main concern for excessive rainfall and potential street flooding.
Afternoon and evening storms possible through Thursday of next week(WWSB)
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