National Weather Service: Lee could get 6-10 inches of rain from tropical cyclone
Earliest projected arrival times
The National Weather Service is forecasting six to 10 inches of rain for Lee County today into Saturday morning, with the potential for a tropical storm developing tonight.
There is a chance of flooding and motorists should exercise caution particularly as evening approaches. “It might start picking up before evening,” National Weather Service meteorologist Ernie Jillson said. Rain is the top concern although there is potential for isolated tornadoes Saturday morning, he said.
“It’s not a very strong system. It’s disorganized,” Jillson said Friday. “The main impact is going to be heavy rain.”
If winds reach 40 mph, the weather system will be upgraded to Tropical Storm Alex.
Lee County Government departmental facilities are operating as normal. No shelters are open.
“Lee County Government continues to monitor the tropical activity with our local and state partners,” county spokesperson Betsy Clayton stated in an emailed update.
The Lee County Emergency Operations Center is not activated at this time. There is no state of emergency as of Friday afternoon.
Lee County departments are prepared for the weather event. For example, Lee County Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation continue to maintain and monitor drainage canals, ditches and swales. With so many newcomers in Southwest Florida, the county would like to remind residents that roadside ditches and swales are designed to drain. However, they may hold water for some time during significant rain events.
The county encourages residents to anticipate wet conditions and drive carefully; be aware of potentially downed tree limbs and standing water.
Lee County encourages residents to take time now to download the LeePrepares App and sign up for Alert Lee. Information about this as well as other resources can be found at www.leegov.com/hurricane.
To reach NATHAN MAYBERG, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com