ORLANDO, Fla. – Tropical Depression Nine is strengthening over the Bahamas and is expected to become a tropical storm through Sunday as it tracks parallel to Florida’s east coast through Monday.
[SEE THE LATEST WEATHER ALERTS IN YOUR AREA BY CLICKING HERE]
A tropical storm watch remains in effect for coastal areas of east-Central Florida. Conditions will begin to deteriorate rapidly this evening and into the start of the week.
Rain forecast:
Rain chances will steadily rise Sunday as the system organizes, with bands of scattered showers and storms moving in from the Bahamas.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The heaviest rainfall is expected tonight into Monday, especially along the immediate coast, where rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are likely and isolated areas could see up to 5 inches. This could lead to minor flooding in poor drainage areas.
Rain chances briefly drop midweek as drier air moves in, but moisture is expected to return by late week, increasing the potential for more scattered showers and storms into the weekend.
Marine hazards:
Dangerous beach and marine conditions will begin Sunday night and worsen through the week. Long-period swells combined with persistent northeasterly winds will create life-threatening rip currents, high surf, and increasing beach erosion.
As the system pulls away on Tuesday, winds will gradually ease, but beach and boating conditions will remain dangerous. Large swells up to 12 feet offshore will continue to produce high surf, strong rip currents, and coastal erosion through the week.
Wind forecast
Winds will steadily increase Sunday afternoon, becoming breezy inland and gusty along the coast. Inland areas can expect sustained winds around 15–20 mph, while coastal gusts may reach 30 mph or higher in storm bands.
Conditions will peak Monday as the storm makes its closest approach. There is a 30–40% chance of tropical-storm-force winds along the coast, with gusts up to 45 mph possible. Inland gusts will be lower, but still noticeable.
Timeline Recap:
- Sunday: Rain bands increase, winds pick up, beach hazards begin.
- Sunday night into Monday: Storm makes closest pass; expect heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous surf.
- Tuesday into Wednesday: Winds ease slightly; surf stays rough, brief drop in rain chances.
Impacts:
- Tropical-storm-force winds possible Monday along the coast.
- 1–3 inches of rain through Monday. Higher isolated amounts.
- Dangerous marine and surf conditions all week.
- Coastal flooding and erosion concerns through multiple high tides.
[VIDEO BELOW: Breaking down Tropical Depression Nine]