Bad Weather in Florida Continues

Florida continues to remain under assault today as an area of low pressure has turned the Sunshine State into the "rain and storm state" -- at least for a few days.

The Tampa area has been under the gun as torrents of rain fall under passing squalls. While my neighborhood has seen no direct damage, there have been sporadic local reports of light-to-moderate structural and tree damage, caused by high winds.

Lightning has been frequent during many of these storms, but no widespread blackouts have been experienced or reported locally. There was, however, a notable blackout at Tropicana Field in Saint Petersburg today (May 21). The enclosed stadium where the Tampa Bay Rays Major-League Baseball (MLB) team plays had to put a 19-minute hold during the first inning of the game pitting the Rays against the Oakland Athletics. Bay News 9 reports a lightning strike is to blame for affecting the substation that serves Tropicana Field.

Several local counties have at least once in the past four days been placed under severe thunderstorm warnings. For a storm to raise to the level of warranting a "severe thunderstorm" label, hail, frequent lightning, and/or high winds must be present.

Locally, the storms have not been non-stop. This particular rain event has been typified by periods of heavy rain and frequent lighting, with temporary clearings before the next storm rolls in. This has thankfully provided time for residents to leave their homes to take care of errands, commute to and from work and school, and has given people time to go outdoors and inspect their property for signs of damage between storms.

Yesterday, for the first time in three days, I actually saw blue sky and sunshine over the southeastern horizon. Later in the evening, however, storms had again moved in.

Rain Pushing Away Drought

Despite the gray skies and the heavy rains, many, including myself, have been welcoming the stormy weather with open arms. Lawn irrigation and outdoor hose usage has been restricted most days of the week and residential car washing in Hillsborough County has been completely banned until at least June 30 because of a severe drought that has plagued the Tampa area for weeks.

Before the rain event, parts of the Tampa area had not seen any measurable rainfall for nearly a full month. Now, with streets flooding and ponds and lakes filling up quickly, the effects of the drought have been mitigated.

Record "Low-High" Temperatures

While the rains are relieving Tampa residents from a severe drought, the storms and persistent cloud cover are also providing a reprieve from the area's usual mid-May heat and humidity. By the first week of May, temperatures in the Tampa area had begun rising over 90 degrees, which is 3-5 degrees above average for Tampa in early-May. Along with causing residents to stay indoors, the above-average temperatures exacerbated the local drought conditions.

However, with the combined effects of cloud cover, storms, and a cold front which took a late-season dive into the Tampa area, temperatures fell to below-average levels. In fact, Tampa broke an all-time record "low-high" temperature, with readings ticking in around 70-75 degrees on Monday. In fact, Tampa was among the cooler cities in the country Monday.

On that same day, Tampa broke an all-time record for rainfall on the date of May 19, with 1.26 inches falling.

What's to Come?

This 4-day-plus rain event, which is unusual for the Florida area during May, is expected to be winding down by the weekend, should weather forecasts verify. While the all-day rains should be ending, chances remain for scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms each day for through the next week. These scattered thunderstorms are more typical for Tampa during the summer weather season. Florida's late-day summer thunderstorms are well-known for tropical downpours and frequent lightning.

Resources:

"10-Day Forecast for Tampa, Florida." The Weather Channel. May 21, 2009: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/33612?from=dayDetails_topnav_business

"Athletics-Rays Delayed by Light Failure." Bay News 9. May 21, 2009. http://www.baynews9.com/content/40/2009/5/21/475622.html?title=Athletics-Rays%20delayed%20by%20light%20failure