Mobile, Alabama – Tropical moisture is moving toward the Gulf Coast with an investment designation over the Florida Peninsula as of Tuesday, raising concerns about substantial rainfall along ten major interstates this weekend.
The term “investment” is used by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to denote areas under observation for possible tropical development.
Florida has already experienced significant rainfall earlier this week, but now the risk of rain is shifting westward, affecting areas in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana through at least Saturday.
With warm waters in the Gulf and sufficient atmospheric spin, the NHC is monitoring the Northeast and North Central Bay areas. While these regions are not likely to see tropical depressions or storms, the potential remains as long as the system remains close to land.
The short window for tropical development in the Gulf means any such development is unlikely in the next few days.
Possible Impacts from Invest 93L
The main concern from Invest 93L is heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding. The Fox Forecast Center anticipates rough conditions throughout the weekend, particularly between Friday and Saturday.
Flood alerts are in effect for areas north of Interstate 10 along the Gulf Coast. Predictions from NOAA’s Weather Forecast Center indicate flash flooding risks between New Orleans and the Texas-Louisiana border.
Predictive computer models suggest rainfall could reach 1-3 inches from east of Houston to Panama City, Florida, with even higher totals expected near Lafayette, Louisiana.
Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while a foot of flooding can cause vehicles to stall and float away.
Strong weather cells could also generate severe conditions, including water spouts and possibly tornadoes.
Tropical Moisture Causes Issues in Florida and the Gulf Coast
The mix of daily thunderstorms in Florida and the tropical moisture linked to Invest 93L has created issues across the Sunshine State during its brief encounter with the system.
On Saturday, three people were reported injured after a lightning strike at St. Augustine Beach Pier. One person suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a trauma center, while another was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. A third individual was evaluated but did not require transport.
In a related event southeast of Tampa, Plant City experienced a deluge, with almost a foot of rain falling within just a few hours, leading to street and home flooding.
Local officials did not report injuries linked to flash flooding but labeled the event a once-in-a-thousand-year occurrence.
Most surrounding areas recorded total rainfall between 1-4 inches.
Minor flooding was also noted in southern Mississippi on Wednesday evening, with Kiesler Air Force Base in Biloxi receiving over an inch of rain in less than an hour, creating large puddles on the roads.
