Heavy Rains a Precursor for the Arrival of TS Nicole

Heavy rains accompanying a stalled out front across Florida led to some big rainfall totals today. Storm totals have most of Central Florida covered with measurable precipitation with local rainfall amounts up to 5 inches in the Cocoa, Eastern and South Central Orange County regions. A Flood watch is now in effect for Osceola and Orange Counties due to the rain that has fallen, and in anticipation for more rains to come through over the nighttime hours.

Copious amounts of rain were also accompanied by strong thunderstorms with frequent CG (cloud-to-ground) lightning, especially here in South Orlando. One of these storms actually triggered a Tornado Warning for portions of Osceola County, although no tornado was confirmed.

Regardless, this is all a precursor for things to come. As Invest 97L has finally gained Tropical Depression status. Tropical Storm Warnings have been posted over much of the Southern and Eastern portions of Florida, in anticipation of what will be TS Nicole. Nicole isn't not expected to develop rapidly before making landfall somewhere in South Florida. The main threat from this storm will be isolated tornadoes, torrential rains and flooding. The rains from today, which were somewhat induced by the tropical moisture from TD 16, but mostly from the front, has pre-conditioned the soil/sand for an enhanced flooding event. This storm has shades of TS Fay, which dumped 20-30 inches of rain locally in East Central Florida in 2008. Let us hope it doesn't happen again.

The current pattern favors Florida getting hit by multiple tropical systems as storms develop in the Western Caribbean and re-curve towards Florida. We should be on the lookout for any tropical activity that emanates from this region. Stay safe everyone. Be careful driving out there. Drive slowly to avoid hydroplaning and spinning out. If a road is inundated with water, use that trusty GPS, and find an alternate route. All you need is a foot of moving water to wave good-bye to your car.