Up to 12 inches of rain fell Monday across inland Florida, with the heaviest totals near Avon Park and Sebring and in eastern Hardee and DeSoto counties. That water is now draining into the Peace River and Horse Creek, and the Peace River is expected to crest Thursday evening just west of Arcadia, where about 60 homes could flood. A First Alert Weather Day remains in effect Tuesday for inland counties as rivers continue to rise.
Closer to the coast, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport recorded a record 1.45 inches of rain on Nov. 2. Rain should taper off after 6 or 7 p.m. Tuesday, so the morning and early afternoon are worth watching for the commute, school pickup and voting. On the east coast, a severe flood warning is in effect near West Palm Beach, where totals could reach 20 inches.
Forecasters are also watching a system east of the Bahamas with a 30% chance of becoming Tropical Storm Kyle, but current modeling keeps it tracking east and away from Florida’s Gulf Coast. For Suncoast listeners, the story this week is the Peace River and the neighborhoods west of Arcadia. If you live in that area, move valuables to higher ground now and keep an eye on crest updates through Thursday. Are you in a low-lying spot near the river? Tell us what you’re seeing in the comments.
