Tropical Storm Hermine may be headed out of Northeast Florida, but Meteorologist Jeff Huffman says tropical moisture will linger for a couple of days.
“That counter clockwise spin will keep those winds out of the south and west out of the Gulf of Mexico, and that will keep our rain chances elevated through Saturday, and some of that rain could be locally heavy, and it could occur at any time of day.”
He adds, the leftover spin from the exiting storm could also still produce a quick tornado, especially before 6 p.m. Friday.
“Those chances are greatest this afternoon in Northeast Florida, where Hermine is exiting to the Northeast, and where there will a little sunshine this afternoon in between some of those rain bands.”
Drier air is forecast to move in across the entire state by Labor Day.
Meanwhile, Duval County officials began the day giving thanks for what they called “minimal damage” in the area.
As of 8:30 Friday morning, 10 Duval County roads were blocked by debris or water, and 2 intersections were without power. Reports of downed trees and some damage to houses was also coming in, but two emergency shelters were able to close their doors by 10 a.m. as conditions improved.
Mayor Lenny Curry said the outcome of Hermine was much better than the city prepared for, but nearly 7,000 people were still without power.
“But with the wind speeds that are still, they’re waiting to those winds to die down so that it’s safe so that the people who restore our power are safe as well. So just a little bit of patience. Everyone should have their power up and running by some time this afternoon.”
Meanwhile, people in Tallahassee and other parts of the Panhandle are expected to go days before their power is restored. And Gov. Rick Scott said Friday the storm is believed to be linked to at least one death: a man in Central Florida's Marion County died after being struck by a falling tree limb.
Contact Jessica Palombo at 904-358-6315, jpalombo@wjct.org or on Twitter at @JessicaPubRadio.
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