The Weather Authority: Tropical Storm Warning issued for Southwest Florida

The National Hurricane Center has issued a cone for Potential Tropical System One, likely to become Tropical Storm Alex with part of Southwest Florida in the cone. Although we are now in the cone the impacts remain the same, for it to mainly be a rain-maker.

The Weather Authority analysis shows Southwest Florida will begin to feel the impacts of the storm late Friday into Saturday. The main impact will be large amounts of rainfall which could lead to localized flooding.

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued from just south of Englewood down trough the Florida Keys.

A Tropical Storm Watch is issued from the middle of Longboat Key south to Englewood.

A Flood Watch is issued for Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties until 8 a.m. Sunday.

A Flood Watch has also been issued for Lee, Charlotte, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties until 8 p.m. Sunday.

The model plots are in much better agreement and are confident the Potential Tropical System will be moving Northeastward directly impacting our area Saturday afternoon.

Regardless of track or strength, expect rainy and gusty weather beginning on Friday evening. Additionally, isolated and weak tornadoes will be possible within a few of these storms.

This will NOT become a major hurricane. Isolated flooding will be the primary hazard with this fast-moving system.

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Wednesday’s local Forecast

Highs will reach the lower 90s under increasing cloud cover.

After isolated thunderstorms form in the early afternoon, expect scattered showers and storms to form in the late afternoon and evening.