Florida flooding threat continues for next several days as front stalls over Sunshine State

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Scenes of flooding that have been all too common around Jacksonville, Tampa and other communities north of Interstate 4 in Florida could continue for the next several days, as a stalled frontal boundary remains the focus for showers and thunderstorms.

The widespread rainfall began early last week across the Florida Peninsula and has shown no signs of slowing, as rounds of tropical moisture continue to stream into the Sunshine State.

Due to the nature of the precipitation, many areas in North and Central Florida have received between 3 and 5 inches of rainfall, though some Doppler radar estimates suggest more than a foot of rainfall in certain communities.

The area around Tampa International Airport was one of the spots that experienced substantially more rain, with over 8 inches falling in just 48 hours.

The rainfall totals and flooding are similar to what a hurricane usually produces, even though there isn't one, as it has been a relatively quiet 2024 hurricane season so far.

"We don't need 'rain with a name' for flooding impacts", the National Weather Service office in Jacksonville said.

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Storms could impact football Sunday for several Florida and visiting NFL teams.

In South Florida, the heat will be a bigger problem than the rain on Sunday when the Miami Dolphins host the Jacksonville Jaguars. Heat index values are forecast to reach up to 100 degrees. A Heat Advisory is in place for Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties through Sunday evening.

Off-and-on rain showers are forecast for the Tampa Bay region as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Washington Commanders.

As long as the frontal boundary is draped across the state, chances of precipitation will remain in place.

Forecast models show an additional 3-7 inches over the next week, with isolated areas seeing more.

Where bands of rain develop and repeatedly drench the same area, the flood threat will be highest, which will be generally to the south of the frontal boundary.

On Sunday, Flood Warnings are in place for several rivers in North and Central Florida, including the St. Johns River in Astor, where minor flooding is forecast. In Southwest Florida, minor flooding is also forecast for the Alafia River at Lithia in Hillsborough County, the Myakka River in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County and the Peace River at Arcadia in DeSoto County.

So far, damage from the flooding has been relatively limited, but as saturated grounds lead to less water absorption, impacts are expected to increase.

Most flooding scenes have involved drivers venturing into waters that were too high for their vehicles.

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If your vehicle becomes partially submerged in floodwaters, experts at AAA advise you to never attempt to start the engine because it could further damage the engine.

Instead, start by taking photos of the damage both inside and outside for your insurance company.

Once you contact your insurance representative, they’ll advise you of the next steps, which will likely involve a claims adjuster and a tow to a certified mechanic.

Mike Porcelli, a mechanic and automotive technology consultant, previously told FOX Weather that most insurance companies will declare a vehicle a total loss, even with no visible damage.

"Everything is controlled by computers. The power windows are controlled by a computer. The lights are controlled by computers. So, every electronic system from the engine to the transmission, tail lights, even the radio is controlled by computers," Porcelli said. "Some of those computers are down under the seats or up under the dashboard, down low. If water gets into the car and floods the floor of the car, those computers are subject to getting waterlogged."

Original article source: Florida flooding threat continues for next several days as front stalls over Sunshine State