Current Situation and Weather Update
Sunny and Warm Conditions Expected in the Panhandle.... Scattered to Numerous Afternoon and Evening Thunderstorms Across the Peninsula and Eastern Big bend.....Strong Storms Possible with Lightning, Gusty Winds, Hail, and Heavy Rainfall...
Updated 8:00 AM EDT Wednesday
A weak upper-level disturbance is poised to pass north of Florida today and this will generate partly to mostly cloudy skies today with a 20%-30% chance of showers and storms across North Florida. A few isolated storms may be strong and slow-moving today capable of producing occasional lightning strikes and gusty winds up to 40 mph.
Meanwhile, for the Peninsula, an area of high pressure will continue to build across the Gulf of Mexico. A few showers and storms are pushing across Southeast Florida from the Atlantic Ocean this morning, and this will continue into the afternoon. For the remainder of the Peninsula, another summer-like day is expected with scattered to numerous showers and storms, particularly away from the coast. A few isolated storms may become strong or even severe capable of producing frequent lightning, gusty winds, and small hail. Widespread rainfall of up to an inch is possible with locally heavier accumulations in the strongest and slowest of storms. This will allow for water to collect over roadways in areas with poor drainage.
For tonight, high pressure is expected to continue to be the dominant weather feature across Florida and conditions will remain beautiful with mostly clear skies. Most of the shower activity will come to an end during the evening hours, but a few isolated showers will remain in North Florida. Depending on the rain and overall moisture, patchy fog will be possible across portions of North and Central Florida.
Afternoon highs will be warm statewide with temperatures reaching the mid 80s near the coast and upper 80s inland. These warm temperatures along with dry air across Northwest Florida will combine to increase the risk for wildfires to moderate levels for Northwest Florida.
At the coast, onshore winds will generate a moderate risk of rip currents for beaches along the Florida Panhandle from Escambia County through Okaloosa County as well as Atlantic Coast beaches from Volusia County through Martin County. All other beaches will experience a low risk of rip currents.It is imperative that all swimmers know how to escape a rip current and remember that the safest beaches are the ones protected by lifeguards. More information can be found here.
National Weather Service
Florida Emergency Officials Stand Ready To Assist Oklahoma Tornado Survivors
~Floridians are reminded to donate wisely to survivors~
Emergency officials from across Florida stand ready to assist those affected by the Oklahoma tornado. The Florida State Emergency Response Team is in communication with emergency officials in Oklahoma and is working through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact to support response efforts.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by yesterday’s tornado in Oklahoma,” said Bryan W. Koon, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. “Our teams are actively working through the proper channels to support the survivors and first responders as they work to respond to and recover from this devastating event.”
All Floridians can help the survivors of this event by donating through established relief organizations. Donating cash through established relief organizations allows for versatility to meet needs as they arise. If you have goods to donate, be sure to confirm the need through a relief organization before donating.
Florida Emergency Officials Stand Ready To Assist Oklahoma Tornado Survivors
Florida's 2013 Statewide Hurricane Exercise Under Way
~Annual exercise works to prepare emergency managers for upcoming season~
Florida's State Emergency Response Team (SERT) hosts the 2013 Statewide Hurricane Exercise Monday, May 20 through Thursday, May 23 at the State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee. The annual exercise serves to practice Florida's emergency plans and procedures for a potential hurricane making landfall in the state, in preparation for the upcoming Atlantic Hurricane Season. Along with federal, local and private-sector partners, SERT will simulate emergency response efforts to manage an evolving hurricane scenario.
The 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins Saturday, June 1. Make sure your family and business are prepared to follow the instructions of local officials if a hurricane threatens your community by knowing the nearest shelter, making an evacuation plan and having a disaster supply kit.
Florida's 2013 Statewide Hurricane Exercise Under Way
For the Latest Information on Road Closures, Please Visit the Following
NOAA Weather Radio
NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards
(NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather
information directly from the nearest
National Weather Service office
. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other
hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Updated:
May 3, 2013 15:58
























