Manatee and Sarasota counties are under First Alert Weather Days for Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8 as a stationary front combines with deep tropical moisture to bring a serious soaking to the Suncoast. Showers begin after 9 a.m. Wednesday, intensify through the afternoon and evening, and keep going into Thursday morning. Rainfall totals could reach three inches across the peninsula, which is more than enough to flood streets, intersections, and low-lying neighborhoods.
The heaviest rain arrives Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, so plan your commute accordingly and build in extra time. If you come across a flooded roadway, do not drive through it. Turn around, don’t drown. It only takes a foot of moving water to sweep a vehicle away, and most flood deaths happen in cars. If you can work from home or shift outdoor plans, Wednesday and Thursday are the days to do it.
Relief is in sight. The front moves out by Friday, returning us to typical afternoon and evening storm chances, though a few heavy downpours and gusty winds are still possible. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression No. 9 remains more than 800 miles away with no direct local threat, but it will generate bigger waves and dangerous rip currents at Gulf beaches. Swimmers should stay near lifeguarded areas.
How are you planning to spend these two rainy days? Let us know in the comments.
