East-Central Florida Faces Flooding from Extreme Rains Through Tuesday

Heavy rainfall totaling 16 to 22 inches has fallen across southern Brevard County since midnight, causing widespread flooding from the Melbourne area south to Grant-Valkaria. The Flood Watch has been extended through Tuesday morning for the coastal counties and Okeechobee County. Residents should turn around and not drown, and avoid driving into any flooded roadways.

Scattered onshore showers remain possible through the overnight hours, though the heaviest rain threat decreases from earlier. Any additional rainfall will make it harder for water to drain away and could prolong flooding in communities that are already inundated.

On Tuesday, scattered showers and a few storms are expected, with possible additional rainfall of 1 to 2 inches that could exacerbate the ongoing flooding. The Flood Watch continues until 10 AM for the coast and Okeechobee County before it ends.

Through Wednesday, the rain-producing system will continue to weaken, bringing a gradual decrease in shower coverage even as some rain lingers. The overall threat of heavy rain diminishes, though any more precipitation could still affect areas dealing with flooding.

From Thursday through the weekend, drier air will move into the area, reducing rain chances to around 20 percent or less. This will provide a welcome break from the recent higher coverage of showers, with only limited rain possible.