ORLANDO, Fla. – The National Hurricane Center is eyeing the area just off the coast of the Big Bend of Florida’s west coast as models are hinting at the potential for an area of low pressure to form by this weekend. Chances currently remain low, 20% as of 5pm Wednesday afternoon.
While models are not in complete agreement on the track of this potential low, most models have it crossing over the panhandle and either into southern Georgia or into the Atlantic waters just off the coast of the Carolinas. However, regardless of development, Central Florida is right in the path for the blossoming moisture this feature may drum up.
Rain
The biggest impact Central Florida will face from this is rainfall pushing in from the Gulf. With WSW flow pushing toward the state, rain chances will favor areas from Tampa to the space coast, especially Sunday afternoon and through Monday. Rain chances quickly increase to 70% as off-and-on tropical downpours move through our neighborhoods. Some localized flooding cannot be ruled out in our low-lying areas. Models are currently picking up 1-2″ of rainfall area wide over the weekend.
Wind
Due to the fact that the window for development is very small and upper level wind shear will keep any potential development in check, winds will not be a major factor with this potential system. Winds will begin to uptick Sunday afternoon and into Monday. Wind gusts look to peak in the 25-30mph range Sunday into Monday. Gusts could be higher in stronger storms that push through from time to time.