Tropical storm warning remains in effect. Flooding continues across portions of Brevard county. High wind gusts and torrential rain will spread inland today.
New Information: Bands of torrential rains which have impacted eastern Orange and northern Brevard counties early this morning hours have begun to lessen in intensity. Radar estimates indicate 3 to 5 inches accumulated earlier this morning near Bithlo, Titusville and Port St. John. As Fay tracks slowly inland today, the threat for additional flooding will remain high across much of Central Florida as additional rainbands develop near and south of the storm center throughout the day. Wind gusts to 45 mph will be common today, mainly in squalls. Peak gusts up to 65 mph will occur, mainly along the coast of Volusia and north Brevard counties. Recent gust observations along the coast of extreme northern Brevard county were 55 mph, and a report was just received of a 65 mph gust on the beach at Ormond by the Sea in Volusia County.
Areas Affected: This statement recommends actions to be taken by persons in the following coastal counties, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, and Volusia counties.
Inland Flooding: Rainbands will continue to rotate around the center of Tropical Storm Fay, impacting most of East Central Florida. Periods of moderate to heavy rain will likely increase as fay moves slowly inland. The heaviest rain rates through mid morning should remain around one inch per hour, but torrential rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour will be possible later today. If torrential cells persist, significant flooding can develop quickly. Early today, coverage of rain will be less south of Osceola and Brevard counties, but should increase even across the southern counties later today. An additional 4 to 8 inches of rain will be possible across portions of Central Florida by late Friday. Even far from the center and after passage of the tropical storm, conditions will remain favorable for bands of heavy rainfall to develop and persist for several hours with torrential tropical rain rates. Residents throughout east central Florida should not let their guard down concerning the flood threat during the next several days.
Winds: Tropical storm force winds, mainly in gusts, will continue today. The strongest winds will occur near the circulation center of Fay, along the coast of northern Brevard and Volusia counties. Wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph will be common, especially from Osceola and Brevard counties northward. A few wind gusts as high as 65 mph will be possible this morning, especially within squalls along the volusia and north brevard beaches. Further to the south across Indian River and St. Lucie counties, winds will be somewhat lower, but still with gusts to tropical storm strength of 40 mph in squalls. Winds should begin to lessen by late today as Fay moves farther inland and weakens.
Tornadoes: There will be a very low threat for an isolated tornado across volusia and lake counties today. If a tornado does develop, it should be brief and short lived.
Storm Surge and Storm Tide: High surf will continue this morning north of Cape Canaveral. Storm tide waters may run 2 to 3 foot above normal near the time of high tide between 11 am and noon. Storm surge concerns will be highest along the northern volusia coast, where continued onshore winds are creating long duration pounding surf. Significant beach erosion remains a concern.
Flood Watch: Issued at: 3:05 AM EDT 8/21/08, expires at: 8:00 PM EDT 8/21/08. Now in effect through Friday afternoon, for all of East Central Florida, Including The Following counties: Volusia, Indian River, Martin, Brevard, Lake, Okeechobee, orange, Osceola, Seminole, And St. Lucie. As the center of tropical storm fay moves slowly northwest through Friday the potential for heavy rains and additional flooding will continue over east central Florida.
The heaviest rainfall from fay is expected to fall immediately to the south and west of the center of Fay today, then gradually transition to the south and east side of the center through Friday as Fay moves slowly northwest. Rainfall totals across northern sections of East Central Florida may reach 4 to 8 inches with locally heavier amounts today as persistent rain bands wrap around the center.
As fay moves slowly to the northwest today through Friday, there may be periods of diminished rainfall in your area. However, the potential will exist for additional heavy rainfall to develop In rainbands to the east of the center, So remain vigilant to the potential for additional flooding through Friday. With many areas already receiving historic rainfall totals from Fay, It will not take much rainfall to further aggravate ongoing flooding or produce additional flooding problems in water logged areas.
A flood watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecast for tropical storm fay. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for additional flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take quick action should additional flooding develop.
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