At present, there is an area of disturbed weather conditions over the Deep South which has the potential to churn out the next tropical system over the Atlantic basin. This could lead to the possibility of heavy rain and flooding in Florida, during the next week.
Residents and business organizations from Tampa to Pensacola have been urged by the Florida Division of Emergency Management to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding through the coming week.
However, the disturbance will take the shape of a tropical weather system only if it moves over the open waters of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Moreover, the system also needs to spend some time over the warm waters.
The entire region spanning from northern Florida to Louisiana is being observed for potential flooding. The probable tropical storm will acquire the name ‘Fiona.’
Even if we do not see the formation of a storm system, light winds and moisture content in the atmosphere will bring incessant rains through next week. Much of the southeastern United States will receive good rains over the weekend. And, the disturbance near the Gulf Coast will enhance rainfall activities beyond the weekend.
The major risk for widespread flooding will occur over Florida's panhandle and northwestern peninsula. About 5 inches to 12 inches of rainfall could be seen over several areas.
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