Daily Storms Could Threaten FL With Flooding, Gusty Winds: Forecast

FLORIDA — Much of the Southeast, including Florida, could be the target of heavy downpours and localized flooding during the next several days, according to forecasts.

While some of the Southeast may escape the impending storms, AccuWeather reported rainfall could stretch from northern Florida to southern and western Georgia and on toward the west.

Southeast Texas to west and central Louisiana could get the brunt of the storms, AccuWeather reported.

However, the National Weather Service predicted Florida will not be without daily showers and thunderstorms. Scattered to numerous storms could pour over the Atlantic coastal waters, the Gulf of Mexico and from southeast to southwest Florida starting Friday afternoon.

Gusty winds and frequent lightning could be produced with these storms, the NWS said.

Meanwhile, in the Orlando area, potentially increased showers and lightning storms could scatter with the stronger storms possibly generating 40 mph gusty winds. Cloud to ground lightning may be frequent.

Storms from Flagler Beach to the southern Brevard County Barrier Islands could produce 1-2 inches of rainfall and lead to minor flooding in urban, low-lying and poor drainage areas, the NWS said.

All central Florida Atlantic beaches were at a moderate risk for dangerous rip currents Friday.

"Always swim near a lifeguard, and never swim alone," the NWS said.

Storms could start after 3 p.m. Friday in Tampa and will continue to arrive through Thursday in the area and other parts of Florida, according to the NWS forecast.

South Florida residents may additionally battle high peak heat indices. Temperatures could sit in the low to mid-90s with predicted peak heat indices around 100-106 in the Orlando area Friday and thereafter, the NWS said.

Heat indices in Miami could climb up to 108 degrees, the NWS said.

Around 1:30 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service predicted the following detailed forecast for Tampa Bay:

This Afternoon: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 3 p.m. High near 94. Heat index values as high as 104. West southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 94. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 76. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 94. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Sunday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 76. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Monday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 92. Calm wind becoming northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Monday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 76. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. High near 93. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Tuesday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.

Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent.