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Tropical rains continue, messy PM commute likely

[alert type=”error”]Flash Flood Watch in effect through Saturday | Hazardous Weather Briefing for T.S Andrea is now available. [/alert]

Tropical Storm Andrea, which still had maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour and was located over South Carolina as of 11am, was bringing widespread tropical moisture and rainfall to much of the East Coast early this afternoon. As she continues to move north and east (and eventually become post tropical) the center of the low pressure will pass off the Mid-Atlantic coast and then over or near Cape Cod on Saturday. To the northwest of the surface low, heavy tropical rains are expected — which places our area in a high probability for a prolonged heavy rain event.

Tropical Storm Andrea, as seen on visible satellite June 7th, 2013. Andrea was moving northeast and continued to pack maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

Tropical Storm Andrea, as seen on visible satellite June 7th, 2013. Andrea was moving northeast and continued to pack maximum sustained winds of 40 miles per hour.

Through Tonight: Heavy rain likely, especially after 2pm. A thunderstorm is also possible. Temperatures topping out in the upper 60’s this afternoon, but only falling into the low 60’s overnight. East winds around 15 miles per hour. A washout — bring an umbrella and a rain coat if you have to head out.

Friday PM commute will be a messy one: With a few inches of rain already recorded in the area, and the heaviest rain expected to begin around the evening commute on Friday, you can expect delays (some major) on roads that do not handle the rain well. Flooding is expected on low lying roads and poor drainage roads. Drive carefully in the heavy rain as well, as visibilities will be reduced especially on highways.

Looking ahead: The forecast remains wet through Saturday morning, but some clearing is possible by Saturday afternoon as the system moves out of the area fairly rapidly. Showers and maybe a thunderstorm are still possible through Saturday evening. Sunday looks to be the winner of the weekend, with highs in the upper 70’s to low 80’s and partly cloudy skies.

Increasing clouds, tropical rains late week

[alert type=”error”]Hazardous Weather Briefing for T.S Andrea is now available. [/alert]

Tropical Storm Andrea formed last night in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and has strengthened into a system with maximum sustained winds of 60 miles per hour. Andrea is forecast to head northward, making landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast later today. More importantly for our area, she will then scoot north and east to a point off the Mid-Atlantic Coast late Friday Night into early Saturday morning. As she is absorbed into a mid level trough which will be scooting across the Ohio Valley, the surface low pressure associated with Andrea will likely feature the potential for heavy tropical rains on the west side of it.

After a good start to Thursday, we are expecting the potential for rain to increase — with mid and high clouds building into the area. Friday and Saturday could both feature periods of heavy tropical rains, with plenty of moisture and humidity and the potential for some thunderstorms as well.

Thursday: Partly cloudy early, becoming mostly cloudy late. Highs in the lower 70’s. Southeast wind around 10 miles per hour. E njoy the sun while you can!

Thursday Night: Cloudy with rain likely, becoming heavy at times late. Lows near 60. East wind around 10 to 15 miles per hour. Bring a rain coat, but you won’t be too chilly — the humidity will increase.

Friday: Heavy rain likely, with a high near 71. East winds around 10 miles per hour. A washout of a day for sure . Bring an umbrella and a rain coat — it will be a soaker.

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