TAMPA, Fla. – This weekend, the Gulf Coast and Florida are experiencing significant tropical moisture, driven by a round of storms moving through the region. With two areas of interest in the Atlantic, meteorologists are keeping a close watch on potential heavy rainfall impacting Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Forecasters have noted that while the storms possess some energy for development, the likelihood of them evolving into a tropical system remains low. “It has that energy to do something,” said FOX Weather Meteorologist Bayne Froney, “but that development threat is a little bit lower than we might expect.”
As of Friday, heavy showers were reported near Florida’s coast, with expectations for the rain to move inland later in the day. Rainfall totals could reach as much as 5 inches across portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast, while other areas may see around 2 inches.
Some forecasts indicate that the current weather systems could dissipate in Florida, potentially feeding moisture into a disturbance forming off the Southeast coast, particularly near the Carolinas. However, other forecasts suggest a separate system could emerge in the Gulf of Mexico by late this weekend into early next week, although the FOX Forecast Center reiterates a very low chance of any tropical development.
Additionally, a disturbance off the shore of North Carolina has been characterized by a series of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Currently, this system is causing heightened wave activity and strong winds, leading to warnings for beachgoers to stay out of the water due to high surf conditions and the risk of rip currents. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reported that waves in areas like Nags Head reached heights of up to 7 feet.
In a broader context, NOAA continues to predict an above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2025 as the peak period approaches, reminding residents to remain vigilant during this active time of year.
Despite the challenges posed by these weather systems, preparations and precautions can help mitigate risks, instilling hope that residents will navigate this weekend’s storms safely.