Tampa, Florida – A low-pressure system forming offshore of the Southeast U.S. coast could bring heavy rain and localized flooding to Florida and Gulf Coast states next week, even if it doesn’t become a tropical depression.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, the disturbance has a 20% chance of tropical development by late next week as it pushes westward over the Florida Peninsula and into the western Gulf of Mexico. While that formation risk remains low, residents from South Florida to the Panhandle should prepare for persistent showers, elevated rain totals, and potential street flooding.
Cities including Orlando, Tampa, and Tallahassee could see several inches of rainfall, especially in flood-prone areas. Commuters along I-4 and I-75 may encounter ponding on roadways and slower traffic during peak rain periods. Minor coastal flooding is also possible, particularly during high tide cycles.
Officials urge residents and visitors to monitor weather updates, avoid driving through flooded roads, and keep phones and power banks charged in case of outages from downed trees or power lines.
The NWS says wet conditions could linger into next weekend, with additional outlooks expected daily.
