Flood Watches Issued in Florida as Heavy Rain Persists After Colin

June 8,2016
Heavy rainfall could cause flooding in the Florida peninsula Wednesday into Thursday as deep tropical moisture remains well established over the southern half of the Sunshine State.
The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for parts of the central Florida peninsula, including Tampa, Sarasota, Melbourne and Vero Beach. Some of this region is already saturated from heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Colin on Monday.
(RECAP: Tropical Storm Colin)

Rainfall Forecast

Rainfall should average 1 to 3 inches, but high spots over 5 inches are possible. The heaviest amounts will be in areas where thunderstorms stall and unleash several inches of rain in a short period of time.
The National Weather Service in Tampa says that much of west-central Florida still has standing water from Colin, so any additional rainfall could cause more flooding.
If you encounter any flooded roadways, do not attempt to drive through them. Find an alternate route.

Current Radar, Warnings and Watches

(MORE: View National Interactive Radar Map | Difference Between a Watch and a Warning)
According to FEMA:
- 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and potential stalling.
- 1 foot of water will float many vehicles.
- 2 feet of rushing water will carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickups.
(MORE: More Than 200 Killed by Flooding in U.S. Since 2015)

PHOTOS: Tropical Storm Colin