...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Florida... St Johns River Near Astor affecting Volusia and Lake Counties. .On the Saint Johns River Near Astor, recent rainfall over the basin has maintained levels in Minor Flood Stage. The river is forecast to remain in Minor Flood stage while slowly declining through late weekend. However, any additional rainfall may cause brief increases in the river levels. For the St. Johns River...including Astor...Minor flooding is forecast. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov. The next statement will be issued Tuesday afternoon at noon EDT. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 2.8 feet, Docks and boat ramps covered at South Moon Fish Camp and approaching sea wall at Blair's Jungle Den. Water approaching sites closest to the river at Fish Tales RV Resort and Astor Landing Campground. Portion of Clair Street covered by river water south of the Butler Boat Ramp. Docks underwater at the Astor Bridge Marina and along Riveredge Drive. Portions of Fox Road are covered with water nearest to the river. Acorn, Hazelnut and Redbud roads are underwater with yards inundated. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 PM EDT Monday the stage was 2.6 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 PM EDT Monday was 2.6 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to a crest of 2.7 feet Wednesday morning. - Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of east central Florida, including the following county, Volusia. * WHEN...Until 700 AM EDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 456 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to showers. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet, Allandale, Spruce Creek, Harbor Oaks, Wilbur By The Sea, Samsula-Spruce Creek and New Smyrna Beach Airport. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and rough surf expected. * WHERE...Coastal Volusia, Coastal Indian River, Mainland Northern Brevard, Northern Brevard Barrier Islands, Mainland Southern Brevard and Southern Brevard Barrier Islands Counties. * WHEN...Through late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.