ORLANDO, Fla. – A system moving into the Gulf of Mexico will bring much-needed rain to Central Florida, and the area of low pressure has a 40 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression over the next five days.
The area of low pressure centered between Cuba and the Keys on Monday morning, and it will move north along the western coast of Florida.
Recommended Videos
The National Hurricane Center said the low has a 30 percent chance of development over the next two days and a 40 percent chance over the next five days.
The National Weather Service is looking into reports of a possible waterspout briefly making landfall Monday morning in Merritt Island and causing minor damage at a mobile home park.
"We are pinpointing lots of tropical moisture as it continues to move in from the south," News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges said. "Expect a 100 percent coverage of on-and-off rain throughout Monday, with some thunderstorms possible.
Rain chances will stay high all week.
"This will actually be good news for Central Florida," Bridges said. "As we’ve said for weeks, it will take a tropical system to help with our yearly rain deficit, which is more than 5 inches in many areas."
[SIGN UP: Subscribe to ClickOrlando.com newsletters]
The high Monday in Orlando will be near 80 degrees. The average high on this date is 88.
Highs the rest of the week will be in the mid-80s.
[WEATHER: Extended forecast | Radar | Warnings | Pinpoint Weather Zones]
[DOWNLOAD: Pinpoint, Hurricane apps | SHARE: Weather pictures]
Overnight lows will be near 70 degrees.
This low has a 30% chance of development within the next 2 days and a 40% chance within the next 5 days. BOTTOM LINE: I will bring rain and help with our deficit. pic.twitter.com/IjWqsd0hRC
— Troy Bridges (@TroyNews6) May 14, 2018
The Florida Division of Emergency Management said if severe weather threatens, residents should follow these safety tips:
- Ensure your NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio is on and programmed for your area or stay tuned to a trusted local media outlet for the most current weather situation.
- Ensure your disaster supply kit is prepared and heed all instructions from local officials.
- Know what you would do in the event of a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch or warning.
- If a tornado warning is issued for your area seek shelter immediately in an interior room, away from windows.
- If thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning and should seek shelter immediately.
- Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
- Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
- Never drive through flooded roadways as road beds may be washed out under flood waters, and just one foot of fast-moving flood water can move most cars off the road.
Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.