Alert archive / Florida / Special Weather Statements in 2023

Special Weather Statement, NWS Melbourne, FL

July 18, 2023Saint Lucie County, Florida

NWS Melbourne, FL issued this special weather statement at Jul 18, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT for Saint Lucie County, Florida. It was in force for 26 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Jul 18, 2023, 3:49 PM EDT (19:49 UTC)
Expired
Jul 18, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT
In force
26 min
Issued by
NWS Melbourne, FL
Hail
0.00 in
Wind
40

County Saint Lucie County, FL

The radar

The Melbourne radar (KMLB), 98 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 19:51 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Cape Canaveral, FL (KXMR), launched 12:00Z, 7.8 hours before the alert went out and 133 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Cape Canaveral, FL at 12:00Z on 2023-07-18Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1422 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Cape Canaveral, FL at 12:00Z on 2023-07-18The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 12 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1422 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-20 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
805 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
9 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
12 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
19 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

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What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this special weather statement went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Melbourne, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before this special weather statement went out at Jul 18, 11:12 AM EDT, 4 hours 37 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 18, 11:12 AM EDT, 4 hours 37 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1112 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

.UPDATE...
Issued at 1113 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

No significant changes to current temp/PoP/wind forecast. Morning
Cape sounding shows deep moisture through much of the column with
precip water value 2.13". Like previous mornings, scattered
showers and storms are pushing inland from the Gulf coast but the
westerly steering flow has weakened so cells are slower moving.
This lighter offshore (SW) flow will allow the Atlc sea breeze to
develop first along the Treasure coast (Martin county) around Noon
and zipper northward to Volusia county by late afternoon. Earlier
onset and farther inland penetration should produce highest storm
coverage just inland from the coast this afternoon. Storm threats
similar to previous days with water-loaded downdrafts producing a
few strong wind gusts. Slower moving storms also raises the
prospect of more prolonged heavy rain and rapid ponding of water
esp where heavy rains have fallen recently.

One other observation...beach patrols the last couple days have
reported gradually falling surf temps (with the exception of DAB)
from the mid 70s to around 80 from the Cape southward. This may
indicate some upwelling is occurring, warmer water being pushed
seaward and allowing cooler water to rise from below. This can
produce stronger sea breeze circulations and stronger storms where
boundary collisions occur.

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 1113 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

Monitoring TSRA moving slowly eastward, inland from the Gulf
coast. May need to add a smaller TEMPO window or VCTS for this
earlier convection at LEE/MCO/ISM but main convective development
looks to occur later in the day as currently advertised in TAFs.
Weaker offshore (SW) flow will allow Atlc sea breeze to develop at
all coastal terminals starting at SUA by 16-17Z and zippering up
the coast to DAB by 20Z or so.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION...
Issued at 415 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

Today-tonight...Surface to mid level trough remains anchored along
the SEUS seaboard and extends south into the FL peninsula for yet
another day, although there are a some subtle differences noted
compared to the last two days. PWATs are progged a couple tenths
lower (still quite moist at 2.0"-2.2"); both surface and steering
layer winds will be weaker, dropping closer to 5kt, which changes
the pattern to a slightly less WCSB-dominant one. This allows the
Atlantic sea breeze to develop and gradually push west toward the
interior with a slightly weaker late day push back toward the east
coast. As such, PoPs have been tweaked to 60-70 for the coastal
counties, but remain 80 across the interior. Slower storm motion
still support locally heavy downpours capable of producing 1-3"
downpours, possibly a little higher in a few locations. Frequent
lightning and 30-50 mph gusts remain possible.

Isolated-scattered evening storms will wind down a few hours post-
sunset. Max temps L90s near the coast and 93-95F inland with peak
afternoon heat indices 100-105F. Mins in the M70s.

Wednesday-Thursday...An upper level trough over the eastern US
weakens/breaks down Wednesday into Thursday, with a ridge over the
south-central US building eastward towards the Florida peninsula.
This will help the Atlantic ridge axis to drift further northward
into central Florida, easing the earlier persistent SW flow. Thus,
the east coast sea breeze will be able to push further inland that
previous days, with a collision expected over the interior or even
the western half of the peninsula each afternoon. PoPs generally 50-
60% as overall moisture decreases just slightly. PWATs of around
2.2" are still expected, with a few pockets of 2.3-2.4" possible,
especially over southern portions of the area. Warm 500mb
temperatures will continue to limit the severe threat, though
flooding rainfall will remain a concern, with slow storm motions due
to light steering flow. Quick rainfall amounts of 2-3" in a 60-90
minute period will cause urban and roadway flooding. Peak timing for
convection will be during the late afternoon and evening hours.

Temperatures warming slightly compared to early in the week,
reaching the lower to mid-90s in the afternoons. Heat stress will
continue to be a concern, with current forecast heat indices
forecast to around 105-107. Some locally higher values up to 109-110
may be possible and will be monitored for any Heat Advisories.
Overnight lows in the mid to upper 70s. Some areas along the
Treasure Coast could struggle to fall lower than the lower 80s, as
southerly winds prevail overnight.

Friday-Tuesday...The surface Atlantic ridge axis is pushed southward
into the Straits of Florida late week and into early next week, as
the upper level trough reestablishes itself over the eastern US.
This will once again lead to prevailing southwesterly flow, working
to inhibit the inland progression of the east coast sea breeze.
Thus, convection will likely be concentrated to the eastern side of
the peninsula during this time, though decreasing PWAT values will
lead to slightly lower PoPs (30-60%). Hot temperatures will continue
to prevail, with little change to the heat threat (highs in the
lower to mid-90s and heat indices 105-107+). Overnight lows
persisting in the mid to upper 70s.

MARINE...
Today-tonight...SSW-SW winds <10kt backing SE along the coast in
the ECSB circ during the afternoon. Seas 1ft along the coast and
2ft offshore. Expect late day seaward (east) push of convection to
be weaker, which should equate to lower coverage/intensity to
late afternoon/early evening marine storms.

Wednesday-Saturday...Southerly winds through Thursday, as the
Atlantic ridge axis drapes itself over central Florida. Late week
and into the weekend, the ridge axis will return to the Straits of
Florida, leading to prevailing southwesterly flow, once again.
Nonetheless, winds will veer southeast along the coast each
afternoon, as the sea breeze develops. Scattered to numerous showers
and storms each day, moving progressively more offshore in the
afternoons and evenings through the period, as stronger steering
flow returns. Winds remaining under 15kts. Seas 1-3ft.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DAB  92  74  91  76 /  60  10  30   0
MCO  93  75  94  77 /  80  40  60  10
MLB  92  75  92  78 /  60  40  50  10
VRB  92  75  92  77 /  50  30  50  20
LEE  93  75  94  77 /  70  30  50  10
SFB  94  75  95  77 /  80  20  50  10
ORL  93  77  94  78 /  80  30  60  10
FPR  92  76  92  78 /  60  40  50  20

&&

.MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...None.
AM...None.

&&

Kelly/Tollefsen
Hazardous weather outlook, Jul 18, 11:15 AM EDT, 4 hours 34 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1115 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

AMZ550-552-555-570-572-575-FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-
164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-190000-
Flagler Beach to Volusia-Brevard County Line 0-20 nm-Volusia-
Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 0-20 nm-
Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 0-20 nm-Flagler Beach to Volusia-
Brevard County Line 20-60 nm-Volusia-
Brevard County Line to Sebastian Inlet 20-60 nm-
Sebastian Inlet to Jupiter Inlet 20-60 nm-Inland Volusia-
Northern Lake-Orange-Seminole-Osceola-Okeechobee-Coastal Volusia-
Southern Lake-Coastal Indian River-Coastal Saint Lucie-
Coastal Martin-Inland Northern Brevard-Inland Indian River-
Inland Saint Lucie-Inland Martin-Mainland Northern Brevard-
Northern Brevard Barrier Islands-Inland Southern Brevard-
Mainland Southern Brevard-Southern Brevard Barrier Islands-
1115 AM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

.THUNDERSTORM IMPACT...
Yet another day of numerous to widespread showers and lightning
storms is forecast across east central Florida. Because southwest
winds will be lighter today, the east coast sea breeze should
develop a few hours earlier and push farther inland, reaching the
interior counties during the late afternoon. Storm coverage should
be a little higher over the inland counties, as a result, with some
activity lingering into the early evening.

A slow eastward storm motion of less than 10 mph is forecast.
Today's stronger storms will be capable of producing wind gusts
around 40 mph or a little stronger, heavy downpours, and frequent
cloud to ground lighting. Move indoors to safety as the first sign
of threatening skies, or if you hear thunder.

.FLOOD IMPACT...
The combination of a very moist air mass with slower storm motions
will support some torrential downpours producing 1 to 3 inches of
rainfall in a 60 to 90 minute period. This may cause localized
flooding of roads and other urban, poorly drained and low lying
areas. Never attempt to drive across a water covered road, as the
water depth may be too great to allow your vehicle to make it
safely across. Turn around, don't drown!

.MARINE THUNDERSTORM GUST IMPACT...
Some of today's storms could produce wind gusts of 35 knots or
greater, over the nearshore Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway
and especially over inland lakes.

.RIP CURRENT IMPACT...
A small, but very long period swell developing in the surf zone
will maintain a Moderate risk of dangerous rip currents at all
central Florida Atlantic beaches today. Remember to swim only
within sight of a lifeguard, and never enter the ocean alone.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY.
Scattered to numerous afternoon and evening showers and lightning
storms will continue throughout the week, with highest coverage
expected over the interior through Friday, the shifting back east
closer to the coast this weekend. Stronger storms will be capable
of producing frequent lightning, gusty winds, and local flooding
from torrential downpours.

Afternoon temperatures will remain above normal, along with high
humidity. This will allow peak heat indices to rise between 102
to 107 degrees through mid week, and between 104 and 110 degrees
from late week through this weekend. If engaged in any outdoor
activity, protect yourself from the heat and sun. Wear a hat and
sunscreen, remain well-hydrated, and take frequent indoor rest
breaks as needed, preferably in an air conditioned room.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotter activation will not be needed today and tonight. Please
continue to report any rainfall amounts 2 inches or greater, or
any observations of flooding, to the National Weather Service
office in Melbourne.

Kelly/Cristaldi

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 18, 2:48 PM EDT, 1 hour 1 minute before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
248 PM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

FLZ154-159-254-259-181930-
Coastal St. Lucie FL-Inland St. Lucie FL-Inland Indian River FL-
Coastal Indian River FL-
248 PM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northern St. Lucie
and southeastern Indian River Counties through 330 PM EDT...

At 248 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lakewood Park, or 7 miles west of Indrio, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Fort Pierce, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores and Vero
Beach South.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or hard-topped vehicle. Remember, when
thunder roars, go indoors!

&&

LAT...LON 2740 8060 2765 8069 2780 8039 2743 8023
TIME...MOT...LOC 1848Z 254DEG 13KT 2750 8047

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Tollefsen
Special weather statement, Jul 18, 2:50 PM EDT, 59 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
250 PM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

FLZ041-141-181915-
Coastal Volusia FL-Inland Volusia FL-
250 PM EDT Tue Jul 18 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central Volusia
County through 315 PM EDT...

At 250 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Port Orange, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona and
Daytona Beach Shores.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of weak, brief funnel
clouds. These types of funnel clouds are harmless, but on rare
occasions they can briefly touch down, producing wind gusts over 50
mph. If a funnel cloud is spotted move indoors and report your
sighting to the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 2909 8090 2898 8082 2900 8106 2921 8105
      2922 8096
TIME...MOT...LOC 1850Z 268DEG 15KT 2910 8095

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Heil
Special weather statement, Jul 18, 3:13 PM EDT, 36 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 18, 3:28 PM EDT, 21 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 18, 3:42 PM EDT, 7 minutes before
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Special weather statement, Jul 18, 3:49 PM EDT, 0 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Melbourne, FL issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 17, 8:26 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia49 min
Jul 17, 9:15 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia45 min
Jul 18, 12:13 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB92 min
Jul 18, 12:55 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBOrange35 min
Jul 18, 1:22 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBSeminole38 min
Jul 18, 2:48 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBIndian River42 min
Jul 18, 2:49 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB86 min
Jul 18, 2:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia25 min
Jul 18, 3:05 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningMLBIndian River, Saint Lucie16 min
Jul 18, 3:08 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryMLBVolusia2 hr
Jul 18, 3:10 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningMLB44 min
Jul 18, 3:13 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia32 min
Jul 18, 3:28 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBSaint Lucie32 min
Jul 18, 3:42 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBMartin48 min
Jul 18, 3:53 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBOkeechobee37 min
Jul 18, 4:18 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryMLBSaint Lucie117 min
Jul 18, 4:23 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia37 min
Jul 18, 5:02 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBVolusia28 min
Jul 18, 5:16 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryMLBVolusia3 hr
Jul 18, 5:33 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementMLBLake27 min
Jul 18, 7:07 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryMLBLake3 hr

Nearby

Special Weather Statements in Florida, 2023Every special weather statement in 2023

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.