Weather disturbance in Caribbean Sea 50% likely to become cyclone in the next five days

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Floridians should brace themselves for heavy rain and possible flooding as a weather system in the Caribbean Sea sends severe weather east into the peninsula, said Florida Gov. Rick Scott in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

The National Hurricane Center reported that a disturbance east of Belize is producing cloudiness and showers from the northwestern portion of the Caribbean Sea across Cuba and into Florida. It reported a 50% chance the disturbance will form into a cyclone over the next five days. It advised that heavy rainfall is possible through much of Florida for the next several days.

Scott directed Eric Sutton, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission executive director, to pre-position and stage the FWC's high water vehicles, along with other flood response resources, for rapid deployment.

“As we continue to monitor the developing weather system in the Caribbean Sea, we know that families can never be too careful or over-prepared when it comes to severe weather," Scott said in the release. "Although the storm currently has a relatively low chance of development into a tropical system, we must take it seriously. That’s why it is critically important that all Floridians take this opportunity to get prepared and make a plan that ensures the safety of their family and loved ones."

Hurricane season begins June 1.