WEATHER UPDATE

Latest update

Florida Outlook:

•Tropical Storm Harvey does not pose a direct threat to Florida.

•However, an increased risk for rip currents is expected along the Panhandle coast through at least Friday.

•In addition, moisture from Harvey combined with a frontal boundary over the northern Gulf of Mexico will elevate rain chances in the Panhandle and Big Bend beginning today.

•2-5” of rain is forecast for western Panhandle over next 72 hours, with isolated higher amounts of 6-10”possible near the coast. Rainfall amounts further east should be less then 2 inches, though isolated areas could get as much as 4”.

•Intense rain over a short period of time could cause localized flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas as well as the ponding of water on roadways and a Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties through Thursday night.

•Elsewhere, rivers in West Central Florida are cresting or nearly cresting. River Flood Warnings are in effect for 6 rivers. Additional rainfall amounts should be less than 1-2” inches over the next 3 days.

.

•PTC #10 does not pose a threat to Florida.

•Invest 93L does not pose a threat to Florida within the next 5 days, but should be closely monitored.

Mitch Smeykal, FPEM CEM

Director,

Okeechobee County Emergency Management