Special Weather Statement, NWS Melbourne, FL

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
206 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

...New AVIATION...

.AVIATION...
(18Z TAFs)
Issued at 206 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

Mainly MVFR is forecast outside of showers/storms. Numerous to
widespread showers and scattered storms are forecast through the
TAF period with outer rainbands from TS Debby. TAFs begin with
prevailing TSRA at inland locations and VCTS/VCSH at coastal TAF
sites. SE winds with gusts up to 30 mph outside of showers/storms
are forecast with isolated gusts up to 60 mph in the strongest showers/storms.

&&

.UPDATE...
Issued at 1030 AM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

The forecast for east central Florida remains on track. Some
adjustments to PoPs were made to indicate longer durations of
higher coverage this afternoon into the early evening hours based
on the latest model guidance. Tropical Storm Debby continues
moving north-northeast across the eastern Gulf of Mexico along the
west coast of Florida, and the previously detailed hazards across
east central Florida are still forecast. Bands of showers and
storms are expected to move across east central Florida this
afternoon into the evening and overnight hours, which could lead
to 2 to 4 inches of rainfall and locally higher amounts up to 6
inches in spots. Areas that see repeated rounds of heavy rainfall
could see some localized flooding in spots, especially urban and
low-lying areas with poor drainage. Wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph
and isolated gusts to tropical storm force, especially in Lake
County, will be possible. Additionally, a couple tornadoes cannot
fully be ruled out. A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect for
Lake County. A Slight Risk of severe weather and excessive
rainfall is highlighted across areas near and north of the I-4
corridor, with areas southward under a Marginal Risk of severe
weather and excessive rainfall. Remember to have multiple ways of
receiving weather alerts, and continue to check back in for the
latest forecast as it relates to Tropical Storm Debby.

&&

.PREVIOUS DISCUSSION...
Issued at 334 AM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

KEY MESSAGES:

- Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to strengthen in the eastern
  Gulf of Mexico today before making landfall as a hurricane near
  Florida's Big Bend on Monday. Tropical Storm WATCH remains in
  effect for Lake Co.

- There is a Marginal to Slight Risk of a few strong to severe
  storms today across East Central Florida. Wind gusts to tropical
  storm force will be the primary threat. One or two tornadoes
  also cannot be ruled out.

- There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall today near and
  west of I-4 and a Marginal Risk elsewhere. Over much of the
  area, 2 to 4 inches of total rain are forecast with locally
  higher amounts of up to 6 inches. These high-end totals could
  lead to flooding, especially in urban and poorly-drained areas.

              ----------Synoptic Overview----------

Tropical Storm Debby is currently located northwest of Dry
Tortugas NP in the Gulf of Mexico. Its outermost rain bands and
upper outflow extend northward to Central Florida this morning.
Debby is steered northward within a break in the subtropical ridge
axis, with anticyclones near Bermuda and over the Four Corners.
After landfall on Monday, Debby is forecast to slow down as it
gets caught in a weak/nil steering flow regime somewhere between N
Florida and the Carolinas.

As Debby moves northward over the next 36 hours, deep-layer
moisture will increase with PW values from 2.25" to 2.5". Its mass
response will ramp mid-level and boundary layer winds upward,
evidenced by H85 speeds exceeding 30-40 KT by this afternoon. As
Debby lifts northward early to mid-week, moisture is forecast to
decline to near normal and BL winds are predicted to decrease and
become offshore. However, this is dependent on the ultimate track
and could change.

Confidence remains moderate to high on sensible weather and impacts
through the next 48 hours as Debby parallels the Florida Gulf Coast.
Thereafter, the guidance envelope opens considerably, introducing
uncertainty about when Debby's influence on our weather will
conclude, returning us to more typical summertime weather.

             -------Sensible Weather & Impacts-------

Now Through Monday...

Through landfall on the Gulf Coast, the track of Debby will place
East Central FL in SE flow which will continue to pump copious
tropical moisture over the area. Outer rain and storm bands are
forecast to develop and occasionally traverse the forecast area.
Timing these bands will be difficult. HREF members indicate a high
chance of a band of rain/storms developing and moving SW to NE
across the area this afternoon. These members then consolidate the
highest coverage of showers and storms by tonight and Monday over
the northern third to half (roughly) of the area - generally NW of a
New Smyrna Beach to Lake Kissimmee line. Due to the increasing wind
energy aloft and copious moisture values, we will be monitoring the
following hazards:

Strong Winds:

 Showers and storms already have produced wind gusts
 in the 40-45 mph range over the last 6-12 hours along the
 Treasure Coast. SPC indicates a 5% risk for severe wind gusts
 (58+ MPH) through tonight over the area. Concern for this is
 centered on any bands of storms that form this afternoon when
 conditions will be most unstable. However, there will be a
 medium chance (40-60%) of attaining gusts to tropical storm
 force. The chance of sustained tropical storm force winds is
 lower but now exceeds 30% over Lake County.

 Through Sunday night and Monday, this risk will begin to shift
 northward as the storm moves away. However, momentum transfer
 algorithms still indicate the potential for 30-40 MPH wind gusts
 on Monday afternoon at least over the Greater Orlando and
 Daytona Beach areas. A Wind Advisory may eventually be needed.
 Now is a good time to consider securing any loose, lightweight
 objects.

Excessive Rain:

 While the core of Debby is still projected to remain west of the
 district, peripheral rain bands will pivot across the area.
 Those locations that see repeated bands could see rain tallies
 pile up in a hurry due to the efficient, moisture- laden
 environment. We still forecast a general 2-4" over much of the
 area, except along the Treasure Coast where additional totals of
 1-3" are expected.

 Within the Slight Risk area for excessive rainfall, which is
 near and especially northwest of I-4, there is at least a 15%
 chance of picking up those repeated rain bands that could result
 in localized flooding. HREF members suggest a reasonable worst-
 case scenario, or 10% chance, of 5-6" of rainfall totals on an
 isolated basis.

Tornadoes:

 Earlier this evening, there were a couple of broad couplets on
 NEXRAD radar along the Treasure Coast - indicative of an
 increasingly sheared tropical environment. Residing in the right
 flank of Debby, there is a low chance of brief tornadoes. Owing
 to this tornado threat, SPC indicates a Slight severe risk from
 Daytona Beach to Lake Kissimmee and points westward today,
 including Greater Orlando. Elsewhere, a Marginal Risk exists.
 This is due to the growing "relative" risk as one moves closer
 to the track of Debby. Winds turn more unidirectional on Monday,
 but there will still be a very low chance for a tornado over our
 northernmost communities within east Central Florida.

Beaches:

 There is a HIGH risk of life-threatening rip currents
 today at our Atlantic Beaches. This will be accompanied by a
 longshore northward-flowing current and breakers increasing to
 4-5 FT in the surf zone. It is strongly encouraged to stay out
 of the water! Localized minor beach erosion or scouring may
 occur at times of high tide.

High temperatures over the next couple of days will range from the
mid 80s to low 90s, with peak heat indices from 98-105F.

Tuesday - Friday...

As mentioned in the overview, confidence in Debby's track remains
quite low after landfall as the steering flow collapses. Ensemble
means, and an overwhelming majority of individual members, keep
Debby north of us... somewhere between N FL, GA, or the Carolinas,
where an extreme rainfall event may occur. It should be noted,
however, that the official forecast cone for Debby on Day 4 (Wed)
does extend as far south as Volusia County. While the probability of
a track that far south appears low, it is a reminder that we will
need to continue to monitor Debby's progress.

Either way, it seems very likely that (at times breezy) offshore
flow will result and daily chances for showers and storms should
persist. For now, kept rain/storm coverage at 70% on Tue before
dropping to around 60% Wed-Fri. This could change depending on where
Debby goes, and even more key, if modestly drier air aloft can wrap
in here.

The concern will turn back toward high heat and humidity. Highs will
again reach the low to mid 90s. Heat indices from 100-107 are
forecast Tue/Wed before perhaps increasing to 105-110 late in the
work week.

Next Weekend...

The Grand Ensemble members disagree on the upper pattern and how
quickly Debby pushes away from the Southeast. So, confidence remains
lower than usual. However, ensemble means generally indicate
building H5 heights and a ridge axis near the state. Thus, trended
closer to climatological rain/storm chances at this juncture (50-
60%) with temperatures remaining near to just above normal.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 334 AM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

Today & Tonight... TS Debby will move through the Gulf of Mexico but
its impacts will be felt over the local Atlantic. Small Craft
Advisory conditions continue as boating conditions quickly become
hazardous. Seas build to 4-7 FT with SE winds 20-25 KT, gusting
occasionally over 30 KT by tonight. Scattered to numerous showers
and storms are forecast. Stronger wind gusts, potentially to gale-
force, are possible in a few of the rain/storm bands. Rough on the
Intracoastal.

Monday-Wednesday... Small Craft Advisory continues through at least
Monday as winds slowly veer SW from 15-25 KT, strongest north of
Sebastian Inlet by the afternoon hours Monday. Winds remain elevated
through midweek, though confidence decreases as the track of Debby
is somewhat uncertain. SW (offshore winds) are forecast to continue,
and a long period of Small Craft Advisory conditions could result
especially offshore. Seas 4-7 FT on Monday (highest north),
decreasing slightly to 2-4 FT nearshore and 3-6 FT offshore by
Wednesday. Scattered showers and storms are forecast, with some
activity offshore-moving and gusty.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
DAB  78  88  78  91 /  80  80  60  70
MCO  77  88  78  91 /  80  80  50  70
MLB  79  91  78  92 /  80  70  50  70
VRB  78  92  77  93 /  70  70  40  70
LEE  77  84  78  88 /  80  80  70  70
SFB  77  87  78  90 /  80  80  60  70
ORL  77  87  78  90 /  80  80  50  70
FPR  79  92  78  92 /  70  70  40  70

&&

.MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Tornado Watch until 8 PM EDT this evening for FLZ041-044>046-053-
     058-141-144.

     Tropical Storm Watch for FLZ044-144.

AM...Small Craft Advisory until 5 PM EDT Monday for AMZ550-552-555-
     570-572-575.

     Tornado Watch until 8 PM EDT this evening for AMZ550.

&&

UPDATE...Tollefsen
AVIATION...Fehling

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
1121 AM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

AMZ550-552-555-570-572-575-FLZ041-044>046-053-058-141-144-154-159-
164-247-254-259-264-347-447-547-647-747-050300-
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-
1121 AM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR EAST CENTRAL FLORIDA.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

.THUNDERSTORM IMPACT...
As Tropical Storm Debby increases the wind energy over the Florida
Peninsula, there is a Marginal to Slight Risk of a few strong to
severe storms today across East Central Florida. Wind gusts to
tropical storm force will be the primary threat. One or two
tornadoes also cannot be ruled out. Additionally, a Tornado Watch
has been issued for Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Okeechobee,
and Volusia counties through 8 PM. Ensure you have multiple ways
of receiving weather alerts.

.EXCESSIVE RAINFALL IMPACT...
There is a Slight Risk of excessive rainfall today near and north
of Interstate 4 and a Marginal Risk elsewhere. Repeated rain bands
from Tropical Storm Debby could result in localized flooding,
especially in urban and poorly-drained areas.

.RIP CURRENT AND SURF IMPACT...
A High risk of dangerous, life-threatening rip currents exists today
at all central Florida Atlantic Beaches. This will be accompanied by
a longshore northward-flowing current and breakers increasing to 4-5
feet in the surf zone. Entering the surf is strongly discouraged!
Localized minor beach erosion or scouring may occur at times of high
tide.

.WIND AND SEA IMPACT...
A Small Craft Advisory continues for the local Atlantic waters.
Southeast winds around 25 knots with gusts up to 35 knots and seas
of 4-7 feet are forecast. Boating conditions will remain hazardous
through the period.

Additionally, a Tornado Watch is now in effect through 8 PM across
the nearshore Volusia waters.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.
Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to make landfall somewhere near the
Florida Big Bend on Monday, then continue slowly moving
northeastward.

On Monday, numerous showers and storms are forecast. The primary
hazards from storms will be gusty winds of 40 to 50 mph and
occasional lightning. There is also a low chance for a tornado or
two, especially near and north of Interstate 4. Windy conditions are
also expected outside of showers and storms.

Daily chances of mainly afternoon and evening showers and storms
will continue through the rest of the week.

Boating conditions will remain hazardous through early this week as
winds remain elevated. Additionally, there will be at least a
moderate risk of dangerous rip currents at area beaches.

Finally, hot temperatures will make a return. Heat indices up to 107
are forecast through Wednesday before potentially increasing toward
105 to 110 degrees later this work week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotters should monitor the weather and self activate if needed.

Tollefsen

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
132 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

FLZ041-045-046-247-347-041800-
Orange FL-Seminole FL-Inland Volusia FL-Mainland Northern Brevard FL-
Inland Northern Brevard FL-
132 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SEMINOLE...NORTHWESTERN
BREVARD...EASTERN ORANGE AND SOUTHEASTERN VOLUSIA COUNTIES THROUGH
200 PM EDT...

At 131 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Bithlo, moving northwest at 45 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...
Deltona, Sanford, Titusville, Altamonte Springs, and Oviedo.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of brief funnel clouds.
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.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for east central
Florida.

&&

LAT...LON 2879 8146 2879 8142 2883 8142 2900 8123
      2890 8093 2845 8081 2841 8084 2841 8089
      2839 8089 2837 8087 2835 8088 2835 8094
      2874 8151
TIME...MOT...LOC 1731Z 149DEG 40KT 2860 8111

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

Schaper

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
135 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0115 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     1 E Umatilla            28.93N 81.65W
08/04/2024  E46 MPH          Lake               FL   Public

            FAWN station near Umatilla measured a
            thunderstorm wind gust of 40kts/ 46mph from
            the southeast.

&&

ZL

Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
153 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0125 PM     Tstm Wnd Gst     1 WNW Vero Beach        27.65N 80.42W
08/04/2024  M39 MPH          Indian River       FL   ASOS

            The ASOS at the Vero Beach Regional Airport
            measured a wind gust of 39MPH/34KTS from the
            southeast.

&&

ZL

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
157 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

FLZ041-044>046-041830-
Northern Lake County FL-Orange FL-Seminole FL-Inland Volusia FL-
157 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SEMINOLE...NORTHEASTERN LAKE...
EAST CENTRAL ORANGE AND CENTRAL VOLUSIA COUNTIES THROUGH 230 PM
EDT...

At 156 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near DeBary to near Osteen to near Chuluota.
Movement was north at 30 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...
Deltona, Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Springs, and DeLand.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Conditions are favorable for the development of brief funnel clouds.
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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for east central
Florida.

&&

LAT...LON 2903 8100 2900 8098 2850 8098 2880 8141
      2913 8153 2916 8123
TIME...MOT...LOC 1756Z 173DEG 27KT 2885 8135 2881 8114 2867 8103

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

Schaper

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
158 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

FLZ053-154-159-254-259-547-647-747-041845-
Southern Brevard Barrier Islands FL-Coastal St. Lucie FL-Osceola FL-
Inland St. Lucie FL-Inland Indian River FL-Coastal Indian River FL-
Mainland Southern Brevard FL-Inland Southern Brevard FL-
158 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT ST. LUCIE...INDIAN RIVER...
SOUTHERN BREVARD AND EAST CENTRAL OSCEOLA COUNTIES THROUGH 245 PM
EDT...

At 158 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
White City, moving north at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Port Saint Lucie, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Walton, and Fort Pierce.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for east central
Florida.

&&

LAT...LON 2721 8049 2721 8055 2747 8068 2756 8068
      2756 8073 2811 8101 2818 8056 2730 8017
TIME...MOT...LOC 1758Z 174DEG 24KT 2736 8039

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

Fehling

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Melbourne FL
213 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

FLZ045-053-247-347-547-647-041900-
Osceola FL-Orange FL-Mainland Northern Brevard FL-
Mainland Southern Brevard FL-Inland Southern Brevard FL-
Inland Northern Brevard FL-
213 PM EDT Sun Aug 4 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL BREVARD...
SOUTHEASTERN ORANGE AND NORTHEASTERN OSCEOLA COUNTIES THROUGH 300 PM
EDT...

At 213 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles northeast of Holopaw, moving northwest at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

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

Locations impacted include...
Melbourne, Titusville, Rockledge, Cocoa, and Wedgefield.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for east central
Florida.

&&

LAT...LON 2816 8063 2811 8100 2846 8123 2857 8086
TIME...MOT...LOC 1813Z 155DEG 28KT 2820 8092

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

Fehling