The News-Press is monitoring the weather today in Lee County:
This evening's forecast for Fort Myers, Cape Coral and the overnight outlook:
According to AccuWeather:THIS EVENING: Showers and a heavy thunderstorm; mostly cloudy and humid. More possible flooding in some areas.
OVERNIGHT: Showers and a heavy thunderstorm; cloudy and humid. More possible flooding in some areas.
How is the excessive rain in the region impacting Sanibel?
Eric Jackson, city spokesman, said there’s been no accumulation of water to speak of on the island so far, even in flood-prone areas like Bowman’s Beach, and “no road closures – nothing like that.”
City of Fort Myers says everything OK, so far
In Fort Myers, spokeswoman Noelle Casagrande said the city’s public works department was reporting no issues, but will keep monitoring.
Fort Myers Beach offering sandbags for residents
Nicole Berzin the public information officer for the Town of Fort Myers Beach reports that the town is offering sandbags for residents. They can go to the Town Hall to pick them up if needed.
Red Cross: Safety tip for flooding
Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
Follow evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts because they may be blocked.
Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
Do not use water that could be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, make ice or make baby formula.
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If power lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water. Report them immediately to the power company.
If any gas or electrical appliances were flooded, don’t use them until they have been checked for safety.
Dispose of any food that has come into contact with flood water.
Take pictures of home damage, both of the buildings and its contents, for insurance purposes.
Lee County monitoring tropical moisture and weather forecast
Lee County Public Safety, Department of Transportation and Natural Resources Department all continue to monitor today’s weather.
Public Safety: Staff members are in regular communication with our partners at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Tampa Bay and are monitoring the tropical moisture and forecast. The county encourages residents to monitor NWS’ website and social media and to listen to local media outlets meteorologists’ reports.
DOT: Crews are working throughout unincorporated Lee County, monitoring any potentially blocked storm grates and areas with localized flooding, addressing both. DOT monitors and adjusts weirs as necessary during rainfall events such as this.
Natural Resources: The Department of Natural Resources team also is monitoring the weather but given our current drought, is not expecting any issues.
Are there flight delays at RSW in Fort Myers, other Florida airports?
So far, flights at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers are not being impacted by the extreme rainfall hitting the region.
You can check on flight delays at RSW: Flight status page
Two Florida airports − Fort Lauderdale International Airport and Miami International Airport − are experiencing flight delays caused by the weather.
You can check on flight delays at other Florida airports and all U.S. destinations: FAA'sFlight Delay Information page.
National Weather Service issues flood advisory for most of Lee County
The National Weather Service in Tampa has issued a flood advisory until 11:45 a.m.
WHAT: Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.
WHERE: A portion of southwest Florida, including the following Lee County.
IMPACTS: Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in the advisory area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected over the area throughout the day. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. Some locations that will experience flooding include:
Cape Coral, Fort Myers, East Dunbar, Pine Manor, Villas, Lochmoor Waterway Estates, McGregor, Cypress Lake, Palmona Park, Southwest Florida Airport, Buckingham, Harlem Heights, San Carlos Park, Three Oaks, Iona, Olga, Page Field Airport, Page Park, Whiskey Creek and Fort Myers Villas.
What is a flood advisory?
According to the National Weather Service:
Flood Advisory: Be Aware:A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Other flood advisories:
Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.Flash Flood Warnings are changing to an Impact-Based format to improve public response.Read the factsheet.
Flood Warning: Take Action!A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.
Flood Watch: Be Prepared:A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.
Weather forecast for Lee County: High potential for flooding today
According to AccuWeather:
Forecasts call for the hardest hit areasto be acrossSouthwestand South Florida, with predictions going all the way up to four to eight inches today and 15 to 20 inches during the week.AccuWeather warned some areas could see almost 2 feet of rain,22 inches.
TODAY: Heavy showers and thunderstorms from this tropical rainstorm. Areas of flooding could make it difficult to travel.
TONIGHT: Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue.
Southwest Florida is considered a "bullseye" for this storm.
RAINFALL RECORD WATCH: Florida's Top-10 heaviest rain days
South Florida Water Management District flood tips
The South Florida Water Management District operates the regional water management system and is prepared for potentially heavy rainfall throughout the week.
If you face life-threatening flooding or are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.
Avoid driving through flooded areas. When in doubt, turn around.
Ensure debris, trash cans, and other items are secured and cannot clog drainage ways.
Monitor any announcements from your County's Emergency Operations Center.
Do not drink, wade, or swim in floodwaters.
Flooded roads, swales and ditches are expected during and after heavy rain events. In the event water is impacting your home, please report the flooding to your local drainage operator. Type in your address and look up your local drainage operator atSFWMD.gov/FloodControl.
More: Rainy season reminder: Is it legal to drive with hazard lights flashing in Florida?
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: tropical weather system in Florida causing heavy rain and flooding
