An area of low pressure currently over the Florida panhandle will continue moving westward and remains at a MEDIUM (40%) chance of developing over the next 48 hours and a MEDIUM (40%) chance of developing in the next 7 days, IF it emerges or redevelops offshore.
A broad area of low pressure is currently located over the Florida panhandle and is forecast to move westward either near the Gulf coast or redevelop further offshore. IF the center can move offshore, environmental conditions over the Gulf appear favorable for additional development and a tropical depression could still form over the next couple of days before the system moves fully inland by the end of the week. NHC continues the MEDIUM (40%) chance of development by in the next 48 hours and the next 7 days.
Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding across portions of the area, especially across our Florida counties and coastal locations where WPC has outlooked this area in a marginal risk for excessive rainfall. Generally, 1-3 additional inches, with locally higher amounts, of rainfall could occur over the next few days with the higher end of the range favoring coastal areas.
As the low continues westward and southerly winds begin to take hold, winds and seas will increase with a HIGH RISK of dangerous and life-threatening rip currents at all beaches Thursday and Friday, as well as possible Small Craft Advisories over the Gulf Waters beginning later today into Thursday night.
