Hurricane season in the Atlantic basin has officially started, and the first named storm of the season will be Tropical Storm Alex. It is expected to drop as much as half a foot of rain on the southern part of Florida, causing major flooding. The National Hurricane Center predicts that Tropical Storm Alex will strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane.
The storm system behind Tropical Storm Alex is forecast to bring heavy rainfall to Florida’s eastern coast and parts of Central Florida, South Florida, and Cuba. The area of the storm will experience the most precipitation in South Florida, so heavy rains and flooding are expected throughout the day. However, the storm system will likely weaken and dissipate after it has impacted the Florida Keys. Tropical Storm Alex in Florida is a powerful yet unpredictable storm that could create a variety of hazards.
Currently, the incoming tropical disturbance is already moving toward Florida, and it is expected to become Tropical Storm Alex later today. Tropical Storm Alex is expected to make landfall Saturday on the Florida peninsula. Alex is already packing 40 mph winds and has increased to Tropical Storm force as it moves northeastward at about five mph. Meanwhile, tropical storm warnings are also in effect for Cuba and the Bahamas. The storm will move slowly northward as it moves toward Florida.
The storm is also expected to bring heavy storm surges to coastal areas, and flooding is likely to occur. Although Tropical Storm Alex will land in Tampa Bay, the worst of its rain will be far from the storm’s center, and this means the worst of the rain will be in coastal areas. The storm is expected to cause flash flooding in some urban areas.
