Current Weather Outlook
Statewide weather outlook from Florida Division of Emergency Management MeteorologyThursday, September 24, 2020
...River Flooding Continues in the Panhandle, But Rivers are Falling...Isolated Severe Weather and Flash Flood Threat in the Panhandle...Scattered Storms in South Florida...Minor Coastal Flooding along Western Panhandle, East Coast, Florida Keys, and St. Johns River...Dangerous Rip Currents at Panhandle & Atlantic Beaches...
Updated at 9:36 AM EDT
Today's Weather:
Panhandle & Big Bend:
Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are ongoing this morning in the Panhandle. This will continue through at least mid-afternoon before rain chances decrease. Some of the showers and storms could become strong to briefly severe with gusty winds of 40-60 mph and a brief tornado or two. The Storm Prediction Center has outlined the Florida Panhandle from Tallahassee westward in a Marginal Risk of severe weather (level 1 of 5). Locally heavy rainfall may also accompany some storms, which could lead to some minor street flooding or even isolated flash flooding. Winds will be breezy out of the southeast today at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Highs will be in the lower to middle 80s with lows tonight in the upper 60s to middle 70s.
Northeast Florida & Peninsula:
Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms are also ongoing across far South Florida and the Keys this morning. This will continue through the day with additional showers and storms developing this afternoon over South Florida.. A couple strong storms cannot be ruled out with gusty winds, occasional lightning, and brief heavy downpours possible. Storms will generally fade after sunset, but more scattered showers and storms may develop near the Peninsula coasts overnight. Meanwhile, Northeast and Central Florida will generally remain dry. Highs will generally range from the middle 80s to near 90. Heat index values should generally stay below 100 this afternoon. Lows tonight will fall into the middle 60s in Northeast Florida with 70s elsewhere.
Rip Currents: Breezy onshore winds and remaining swells from Beta continue a high rip current risk along Panhandle beaches. Swells from Hurricane Teddy and southeast winds will result in a high rip current risk for all Atlantic beaches. For the latest Rip Current Outlook, visit www.weather.gov/beach.
Marine Hazards: A High Surf Advisory is in effect for East Coast beaches today from Palm Beach to Indian River Counties. Wave heights will be 5-7’ in the surf zone. In the Gulf, waves will be 3-6‘. Red Tide has not been observed at significant levels.
Flash Flooding: An isolated flash flood threat exists in the western Panhandle today from any heavier showers. The Weather Prediction Center has outlined the Panhandle in a Marginal Risk of flash flooding today. 1-2” of rain are expected, but any more rainfall than this could result in isolated flash flooding.
Coastal Flooding: The combination of swells from Teddy and King Tides will result in minor to isolated moderate coastal flooding again today along the lower St. Johns River where A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect. Tides 1.5-2.5’ above normal are expected Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect for Southeast Florida and the Florida Keys where tides of 1-1.5’ above normal are ongoing. Additionally, strong southeasterly winds combined with high tide will result in some minor coastal flooding in the western Panhandle through Thursday morning. Coastal Flood Advisories are in effect from Escambia through Okaloosa Counties for tides 1.5-2.5’ above normal.
Hydrology: Moderate Flooding Ongoing: Choctawhatchee River near Bruce/Ebro, Chipola River near Altha, St. Johns River near Astor, and the Ocklawaha River at Rodman Dam.
Minor Flooding Ongoing: Escambia River near Century; Chipola River at Scotts Ferry; Apalachicola River near Blountstown, Wewahitchka, and Sumatra; Haw Creek above Russel Landing; and the Peace River at Arcadia. Most rivers are now falling with the lower Chipola and Apalachicola basins cresting soon. For more information on the river statuses, please visit the Southeast River Forecast Center.
Lake Okeechobee’s average elevation is 15.22 feet, which is 0.52 feet above normal for this time of year. Lake levels will continue to rise due to recent and forecasted rainfall.
Tropics:
Post Tropical Cyclone Beta will move across Mississippi and Alabama today, bringing increased chances for showers and storms to the Panhandle. Isolated flash flooding and severe weather cannot be ruled out in the Panhandle.
There are no other areas being monitored by the National Hurricane Center for potential development. For the latest on the tropics, visit the National Hurricane Center at www.hurricanes.gov.
