Tropical Depression Fred Spreads Flooding Rain, Isolated Tornado Threats
Tropical Depression Fred will bring a moderate risk of flash flooding as well as a slight risk of severe weather to parts of the East.
As a result, cooler and wetter conditions are forecast for the West over the next few days.
According to The National Weather Service, Tropical Depression Fred is forecast to transition to a post-tropical cyclone Aug. 18, moving north across the Central Appalachians.
The forecast suggests that the tropical moisture associated with the system will continue making its way into the eastern U.S., causing continued rain and thunderstorms. The heaviest rainfall and chance of flash flooding are expected over portions of northern Pennsylvania and southern New York.
According to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center, areas from the central Appalachians and northern mid-Atlantic to parts of New England could pick up 2 to 4 inches of rain through Aug. 19. Even more, isolated tornadoes could also spin up in areas located to the east of where Fred's circulation center tracks on Aug. 18, likely extending from northern Virginia into Maryland and central Pennsylvania.
More than 7 inches of rain was measured in Panama City, Florida, and Recota Beach, Florida, as of Aug. 16 evening, reported The Weather Channel. Widespread flooding was reported in Southport, Florida, where just over 9 inches of rain fell on Aug. 16.
There is also a slight risk of excessive rainfall expanding southward across much of the Mid-Atlantic region and then across portions of the eastern Carolinas, according to the forecast. Scattered to numerous flash floods are likely for these portions of the Eastern Seaboard and flash flood watches are in effect in some locations.