Between rising water levels, ongoing feuds between Disney and the local government, crazed spring breakers, and a now massive seaweed blob washing up on its shores, Florida already has enough to worry about.
Now, mark tropical storms as a problem many Floridians and tourists might need to consider this April.
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Typically, hurricane season spans between June and November in Florida, with the bulk of its strongest storms hitting between August and October, when its waters are warmest. But meteorologists have identified a potential storm brewing in the middle of the Atlantic that may cause problems for spring breakers and locals alike.
Florida Might See Big Storms Before Hurricane Season Starts
The potential tropical storm could affect the Gulf of Mexico primarily, meteorologists say. The storm, which would be named Arlene, could bring "heavy rain [and] localized flooding," according to AccuWeather.
Here's how it could happen:
"The initial spark for tropical system formation may occur as a dip in the jet stream, high in the atmosphere, plunges toward the Gulf of Mexico this week," AccuWeather reports. "The jet stream may then break off and form what meteorologists call a closed low. Provided this closed low can linger over the Gulf of Mexico long enough, it is possible that a low-pressure area may spin down to the lower part of the atmosphere and acquire some tropical characteristics."
Still, a lot would need to happen for Arlene to turn into a storm big enough to make Florida worry.
"The closed low must sit over the Gulf of Mexico for 48-72 hours in order to gain tropical characteristics, and it appears that it may only get into the northern Gulf of Mexico for about 24 hours before moving inland," AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
Tropical Storms Aren't Likely in April - But Rain Is
While the likelihood for a tropical storm to hit Florida in April may not be high, it has happened before -- most recently in 2017. That storm, funny enough, was also named Arlene.
It's worth noting, though, that no tropical system has been recorded to hit the Gulf of Mexico in April.
That said, rain (which is desperately needed in Florida right now) could still be headed for the area.
"Florida juice coming. Models through next week showing most [of] the state will be getting something... some several inches. All from low pressure left behind in the Gulf from this weeks front," Mike's Weather Page tweeted.
Great news for the state, which has seen wildfires break out during its dry season this year. But not the best news for beachgoers hoping for some sunshine on spring break.
