Florida is currently experiencing heavy rainfall as wet weather taps into the tropical moisture of a looming hurricane. The state is already being soaked by rain, increasing the risk of dangerous flooding as the storm approaches. Drenching showers and thunderstorms have brought at least an inch of rain to much of the Florida Peninsula since Sunday morning, with some areas in South Florida receiving 2 to 4 inches. The rain is expected to persist throughout the day, particularly in the southern part of the state.
The approaching hurricane, named Milton, is forecasted to bring widespread rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches across the Florida Peninsula by the end of the week. Some areas, especially those near and north of Milton's projected path, could see up to 15 inches of rain. Although South Florida may experience slightly lower totals, the continuous heavy rain early in the week is heightening concerns about potential flooding. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a level 2 out of 4 risk of flooding rainfall for Tuesday, covering much of the Peninsula, including major cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
The flood risk is expected to escalate on Wednesday, with a significant portion of Florida and southeastern Georgia facing a level 3 out of 4 risk of flooding rainfall. The situation is further complicated by another storm, Helene, which is poised to bring very heavy rainfall to parts of the southern Appalachians, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding once the storm makes landfall.
