CAUTION IS ADVISED ON AREA LAKES FOR WINDS OF 20 KNOTS

[wxcrazy]

CAUTION IS ADVISED ON AREA LAKES FOR WINDS OF 20 KNOTS

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
Issue Date: 1116 AM EST WED MAR 16 2005
An area of low pressure has developed in the north central gulf of mexico. This low will strengthen slowly as it moves across north florida tonight. A trough associated with the low will sag south across west central florida later tonight into Thursday. A strong cold front will then sweep through the region Thursday night.

As the low develops and moves towards west central florida...Rain chances will be on the increase today through early Thursday. At The present time it looks as though the heaviest rains will occur from later this afternoon across the nature coast...Through early on Thursday areawide. Current guidance suggests widespread rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches with localized amounts up to 3 to 5 inches is possible in some locations where the training of cells occur. This heavy rainfall will cause area rivers to be on the rise...As well as localized flooding of low lying and poor drainage areas. Residents living along rivers and faster flowing streams should be alert to rapid rises in water levels today and tonight and be ready to move to higher ground should flooding be observed.

Along with the heavy rainfall...There will also be the risk of strong to severe thunderstorms across west central and southwest florida this afternoon and tonight. The primary threat from these thunderstorms will be damaging winds...Frequent cloud to ground lightning...Heavy rainfall...And tornadoes or Marine waterspouts. These thunderstorms will be fast moving...And will have the potential to develop in a very short time. Area residents should monitor ongoing weather conditions this afternoon and tonight...And if threatening weather approaches your location move indoors immediately.

South to southwest winds will be on the increase across the region today with speeds of 20 to 25 mph with higher gusts this afternoon. These winds will cause seas to build to 6 to 8 feet over the adjacent gulf waters with bay and inland waterways becoming choppy to rough...Making for rough boating conditions. Mariners May want to postpone any trips into the gulf as small craft conditions are expected.

In addition to the rough boating conditions...Persistent strong onshore flow May result in minor coastal flooding with water levels of 1 to 2 feet above normal tide levels. This will be most noticeable along south and southwest facing beaches...And around the time of high tide. High tide occurs today between 3 and 4 pm.

Stay tuned to NOAA weather radio or your local media outlets for updates and or later warnings.

[chadtm80]

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