US: Adverse weather forecast to continue across eastern Florida through at least early Nov. 17 /update 1

Severe weather is forecast to continue across much of eastern Florida through at least early Nov. 17. Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds has been primarily affecting southeastern parts of the state in recent days, with rainfall totals of up to 23 cm (9 inches) recorded in some areas over the past 72 hours. The heavy rain threat is forecast to move northwards up the eastern coast Nov. 16 before moving offshore early Nov. 17. Additional rainfall totals of over 12.5 cm (5 inches) are possible in affected areas, as well as winds gusting up to 64 kph (40 mph) in eastern coastal areas. As of early Nov. 16, more than 120,000 customers are without power across Broward, Martin, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. Authorities have closed schools and offices across Broward County Nov. 16.

As of early Nov. 16, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood warnings for parts of Lake and Volusia counties, as well as flood watches across central parts of the east coast of Florida and coastal flood advisories for much of the rest of the central and northern east coast. High wind warnings are in place for southern and south-central parts of the east coast of Florida, with wind advisories issued further inland. Storm warnings, gale warnings, high surf advisories, and small craft advisories have been issued for coastal waters off the east coast of Florida. The NWS's Weather Prediction Center has warned of a slight risk (level 2 on a four-tier scale) of excessive rainfall across central and southern portions of eastern Florida and a marginal risk of excessive rainfall for surrounding areas of central and eastern Florida through early Nov. 17. Officials will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming hours and days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

The severe weather may contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in flood-hit areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.