Orlando residents are bracing themselves for a potentially wet weekend ahead, with evening storms predicted to bring heavy rain and a risk of flooding to the area. According to the WESH 2 News, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Orange County, effective from late Friday morning until Saturday evening.
As the weather systems move into the region, residents and visitors alike should be prepared for possible power outages, road closures, and other disruptions to daily life. The AccuWeather radar shows a mass of moisture building in the Gulf of Mexico, which is expected to move into Central Florida tonight and tomorrow.
When Can We Expect the Rain to Hit?
Forecasters predict that the rain will begin falling in Orlando later today, with the most intense downpours expected during the evening hours. The heaviest rain is expected to fall between 7-10 PM, with gusty winds and lightning strikes also a possibility.
`The rain will taper off overnight, but crews will be working throughout the night to clear roads and mitigate any potential flooding,` said Lee Cannon, a spokesperson for the City of Orlando. According to Orlando.gov, residents can report downed power lines or other hazards to the city’s non-emergency number at (407) 246-4296.
What Does This Mean for the Week Ahead?
Don’t pack away your umbrella yet, though – while the rain is expected to clear by Saturday morning, the rest of the week is looking quite dry, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s. In fact, AccuWeather is predicting a 70% chance of partly cloudy skies for each day through the week.
`We’re expecting a beautiful week ahead, with plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures,` said [Jonathan Braxton], a meteorologist for AccuWeather. According to Weather.com, highs will reach the mid-70s by Monday and Tuesday, with lows dipping into the mid-50s overnight.
Navigating the Rain
Of course, with the rain comes the risk of flooding – particularly on areas with poor drainage or near waterways. Residents are advised to avoid low-lying areas and stay indoors during the heaviest downpours. You can find additional flood safety tips and resources on the City of Orlando’s official website.
`The city’s storm drains are designed to handle heavy rainfall, but we need residents to do their part and report any hazards,` said Cannon. `We ask that everyone remains vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe throughout the storm and its aftermath.`
Stay Ahead of the Storm
To stay up-to-date on the latest forecast, traffic conditions, and weather alerts, residents can follow the City of Orlando on social media at @CityofOrlando on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit the City’s website for the latest information on road closures, power outages, and other important updates.
