NHC reduces chance of further tropical disturbance development in the Atlantic

WINK News the Weather Authority is closely tracking a disturbance in the Atlantic Ocean that has a projected path towards the east coast as of Friday morning.

The National Hurricane Center says the area of low pressure is located over the central tropical Atlantic Ocean several hundred miles southeast of the Lesser Antilles and continues to generate limited showers and thunderstorms.

Tropical moisture continues to cause rain and storms just SW of #SWFL. Expect another round of soaking rain today. I’m also still watching that tropical disturbance in the Atlantic. I’ll let you know where it’s going and if it could strengthen on @winknews at noon. #tropics pic.twitter.com/IpyIK5xMht

— Zach Maloch ☈ (@ZachMalochWX) August 2, 2019

Some slow development of this system is possible, and a tropical depression could form well east of the Leeward Islands by early next week while the low moves west-northwestward at 10 to 15 mph.

* Formation chance through 48 hours…low…20 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days…medium…40 percent.

Collier County Government sent out a list of advice on what to do when walking or driving through flooded areas:

• Never walk or drive in the flood waters. Many people are killed by driving or walking on roads and bridges that are covered by water. Even though the water might look only inches deep, it could be much deeper and have strong currents. It only takes 2 feet of water to carry away a car, and 6 inches of swiftly moving water will sweep a person off his feet.

• Find an alternate route around the flooded area. If you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route, even though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water. Barricades are for your protection. Do not drive through them.

• Never underestimate the swiftness of the water. Flooded creeks and streams are unpredictable. Even though the surface water may be smooth, the water is moving very fast.

• Don’t assume your vehicle is safe. High water in streets and intersections will quickly stall motor vehicles. Most trucks, four-wheel drives and sport utility vehicles also are susceptible to being swept away by high water.

• Never stay with your car in a flooded area. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.

• Never let children play near canals or storm drains when the water is rising or high. Swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving a flooded creek or stream.

• Beware of items being washed downstream. Debris or garbage in the water may include tires, shopping carts and furniture. These items can easily injure or trap a person under water.

• Flood time is not a time for play. Flooded streams and rivers are not safe for recreational boating. Many canoeists and kayakers have been rescued from dangerous rapids in flood-swollen streams and rivers.

• Stay away from storm drains, irrigation ditches, creeks and river areas.