It’s set to be another blustery and rainy weekend for Tallahassee as a Gulf low menacing Florida is set to cover the Big Bend.
The National Weather Service posted early this morning an update on a system they had been keeping track of saying that it is set to bring “heavy rains, gusty winds, and the potential for coastal flooding” leading to “dangerous marine conditions.”
“For the Tallahassee area starting today through Monday afternoon our current forecast amounts are two to three inches [of rain],” said Israel Gonzalez, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service of Tallahassee. “The highest amounts are more focused right now over the eastern Big Bend … over Taylor, Dixie, Lafayette, Madison County, around those areas.”
It’s predicted that this weekend Leon County could see wind gusts in the 25 to 30 mile per hour range, this combined with the heavy rainfall leads to conditions which Gonzalez says makes “trees more susceptible to falling over.” He explained that if trees fall or limbs break off this weekend, we could potentially see downed power lines.
Areas closer to the coast like St. Marks and Apalachicola could see three to four inches. Rip currents and some coastal flooding may also be possible.
Statewide storms
Heavy rain and storms are expected across large parts of the Sunshine State, focusing on the east coast, from Leon County all the way down to Broward and Miami-Dade County.
“There’s a series of disturbances that are interacting with each other…so it’s going to be a kind of chaotic, complex scenario,” said Gonzalez. “The system is not only going to impact us locally but pretty much the entire state of Florida.”
Beginning Friday, many throughout the state can expect to see rainy conditions and gale-force winds, which will continue throughout the weekend.
Governor Ron DeSantis activates Florida State Guard
Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted out that he is “activating the Florida State Guard” to ensure safety and preparedness for the coming storm. He has also “directed the Florida Division of Emergency management to monitor the low-pressure system” and “prepare flood response and prevention equipment.”
DeSantis re-established the Florida State Guard, the civilian volunteer force, in 2022 and was activated by the governor for the first time in more than 75 years in response to Hurricane Idalia.
He also advised Floridians to plan for flooding, strong wind gusts, and isolated tornadoes.
Impacts on holiday travel
The storms are projected to continue up the East Coast, which could impact holiday travel for many, especially those planning to use major interstates like I-95.
“Rain will spread across the mid-Atlantic by late Sunday then into New England Sunday night,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg. “It can fall heavy at times and lead to flooding, especially along and east of the I-95 corridor.”
Gonzalez says that for people traveling or who will be outdoors should “keep up with their local forecasts and have a way to receive weather alerts.”