Florida underwater - Record rain, another full day of showers

Record rain has been set across many cities of Florida with another full day of heavy showers and storms to come. Flood advisories will continue to be extended in time and coverage.

The channel of tropical moisture over the southern half of Florida brought many new records to the rain gauges on Tuesday. Sarasota and Ft. Myers set daily rainfall records receiving 6.47 inches and 3.99 inches, respectively. At Miami International Airport, the 3.59 inches received came close to the record of 3.89 inches, and more records will likely be established today as the heavy rains continue.

The deep tropical moisture will continue to travel slowly toward Florida, but the embedded storms will move moderately and some fast. Expect additional rainfall through at least Thursday night, with rains gradually decreasing on Friday. Some places in south and central west Florida could still receive another 10 inches of rain between Wednesday and Thursday.

This is the same system that, once it emerges east of Florida, over the Atlantic, has a low chance of developing into a tropical system. By this time it will be moving away from Florida and likely from the United States. A cold front exiting the nation will likely absorb the system, possibly before it develops into anything tropical.

Florida residents and visitors must continue to monitor the weather closely and stay away from flooded roads. Flash flooding is probable and can be fatal.