Florida Map Shows Rainfall Estimates as Storm Approaches

Several cities in Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend areas are expecting substantial rainfall, according to a map published by the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Tallahassee.
Meteorologists began warning Floridians about the storm earlier this week after observing a long-duration, moisture-laden storm system bringing torrential rain to Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana. The storms are now targeting the Sunshine State. Below-normal rainfall during August has increased drought conditions in the region, meaning there’s a higher risk of flash flooding when that much rain falls in a short amount of time.
Cities expecting the heaviest rainfall include Panama City, Sumatra, Apalachicola and Keaton Beach, at 4 to 6 inches with locally higher amounts, the map shows.
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“Heavy rain is forecast through Saturday, with the heaviest on Friday. Multi-day rain of 3-6 inches forecast south of I-10, local amounts to 10″ possible at the immediate coast,” NWS Tallahassee posted on X (formerly Twitter), with a copy of the map. “Slight Risk (Level 2 of 4) of excessive rainfall. Avoid flooded roads.”
NWS meteorologist Lance Franck told Newsweek that the incoming rain will likely remedy Florida’s rainfall deficit in August, although the rainfall rates could overwhelm local drainage systems and contribute to flash flooding.
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Franck added that the flood risk will be especially high at night because darkness makes it difficult for drivers to judge if a flooded roadway is safe to pass through. He urged drivers to turn around and seek a different route in case they encounter a flooded road.
A widespread forecast area can expect several inches of rain, with Tallahassee, St. Marks, Perry, Mayo and Madison expecting 3 to 4 inches. Even more cities are expecting rain in the 2- to 3-inch range.
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An NWS flood watch has already been issued for the Tallahassee forecast area and will go into effect in the early hours of Friday morning.
“A prolonged period of rainfall, some of which will be heavy at times, will overspread the Florida Panhandle and portions of the Florida Big Bend late tonight and continuing through Saturday,” the flood watch said.
It continued: “Heavy rainfall rates in the strongest storms could lead to flash flooding, especially in urban communities located along the immediate coast. The heaviest rainfall amounts are possible nearest the coast with 4 to 6 inches of rain with isolated maximum amounts up to 10 inches possible. Slightly lesser totals are anticipated further inland with 3 to 4 inches of rain with isolated maximum amounts up to 6 inches north of Interstate 10 to near the Florida State Line.”