Jacksonville, Florida – Residents in Florida who have been facing drought conditions and heightened wildfire risks this spring may soon experience temporary relief, as an atmospheric river event is expected to bring the heaviest precipitation since winter. Forecast models indicate widespread rainfall, with amounts ranging from around an inch in less affected areas to potentially over a foot in communities experiencing multiple rounds of thunderstorms. Flood Watches are in effect for parts of the Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, and southeastern Alabama. While atmospheric rivers are commonly associated with winter storms on the West Coast, they can occur in other regions where there is significant tropical moisture present. The current surge of precipitation is attributed to a slow-moving, cut-off low-pressure system that is drawing moisture from the Gulf and Caribbean. Some storms have reached severe levels, with a Tornado Warning issued in Escambia County and reports of flooded roads in Ocean City, Florida. The Storm Prediction Center has placed a Level 2 risk for severe weather in parts of the Florida Panhandle, Alabama, and Georgia. The heavy rainfall is expected to impact a broad area from Louisiana to the Carolinas into the first part of the workweek. While the rain may help suppress wildfires in Florida, some areas experiencing severe drought conditions may see limited relief. The Interstate 10 corridor from Pensacola through Tallahassee to Jacksonville is expected to receive the most rainfall, while South Florida may see the least. Despite the welcomed rain, the most affected areas may not see significant relief, and there is a risk of flash flooding and lightning from thunderstorms. Overall, the atmospheric river event is seen as beneficial and a much-needed break from the dry conditions.
The state can expect the onset of the wet season within the next month. Source: Florida to experience heaviest rainfall since winter due to an atmospheric river event.
