Tropical moisture is parked over Southwest Florida, and it is going to make itself at home through the weekend. Sarasota and Bradenton should expect numerous showers and thunderstorms today, with some downpours heavy enough to cause minor flooding in the low-lying neighborhoods that always fill up first. Friday stays unsettled, so keep the umbrella handy and leave a few extra minutes for the commute.
Saturday is the day to circle on the calendar. Hurricane Isaias is strengthening as it moves north through the Gulf, and while it is not forecast to make a direct hit on the Suncoast, its outer bands will bring gusty winds, heavy rain, and several more inches of accumulation. The bigger concern for many locals is the water: seas build from around 2 feet today to 5-7 feet by Saturday, with occasional 9-foot waves, and rip currents turn dangerous from Friday through the weekend. If you had plans to take the boat out or swim off Siesta, Lido, or Anna Maria, this is the weekend to hold off.
The payoff comes early next week. Conditions improve Sunday, and drier air arrives Monday with sharply lower rain chances and plenty of sunshine into Tuesday. Use Saturday for indoor projects and storm prep, then get back outside when the Gulf settles down.
Are you moving your weekend plans because of the storm, or are you riding it out? Let us know in the comments.
