The tropical disturbance departing the Yucatan Peninsula is expected to bring flooding conditions into southern Florida this weekend.
The system — the remnants of the former Pacific Hurricane Agatha — is moving northeast at 7 mph late Friday afternoon, with peak wind speeds of 40 mph.
The ragged storm system will move northeast Friday night, heading toward the southwest Florida coast.
Despite its peak winds, it is still a disorganized system without a clear center of low-pressure circulation. Once one is detected, it will be a tropical storm named Alex.
The cloud field associated with the system is broad, and the chance for soaking rain in the southern half of the Florida peninsula is high. About four to eight inches of rain can accumulate through Sunday morning well south of Interstate 4.
Minor storm surge is possible in the southwest Florida coastal zones. A low-end tornado and waterspout risk is present through Saturday in south and southeastern Florida.
Side effects for the Big Bend and Florida/Georgia line area include a general east-northeast wind flow. Wind speeds won't be particularly gusty. Scattered showers and storms that form from daytime heating Saturday will move west-southwest, but these won't be directly spawned by the tropical system.
