Radar tracking line of strong thunderstorms moving through St. Lucie, Martin counties

Staff report | Treasure Coast Newspapers

Show Caption Hide Caption Severe weather expected today as system in Gulf of Mexico sends rain across Florida Expect 1-2 inches of rain today, with 3-5 inches in some locations, especially near the coast. CHERYL MCCLOUD/TCPALM

NO FURTHER UPDATES TODAY

5:00 p.m.: Although a non-tropical area of low pressure over the eastern Gulf of Mexico could still acquire some subtropical or tropical characteristics while it moves slowly northward during the next few days, the low has not shown signs of increased organization during the past 24 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. It now has a 20 percent chance of becoming a tropical system within the next 48 hours; and a 30 percent chance over the next five days.

3:00 p.m.: A waterspout over Merritt Island in Brevard County that briefly came ashore as a funnel cloud into a mobile home park after 10 a.m., has been confirmed as a low-level, EF-0 tornado by National Weather Service. Some minor damage; no injuries.

2:16 p.m.: A new daily rainfall record was set in Vero Beach at 1.96 inches so far today. The previous record was 1.35 inches, set in 1949.

12:50 p.m.: The National Weather Service confirmed a weak tornado that traveled about 1.5 miles blew through Acreage in Palm Beach County early Monday with wind speeds between 75 and 80 mph.

11:40 a.m.: Strong thunderstorms over Lake Okeechobee are capable of producing wind gusts up to 30 knots.

11:25 a.m.: On-and-off showers will continue through much of the day, concentrating along the East Coast during the afternoon. Some of these showers will bring torrential rain.

While rainfall overall will average between 1 and 2 inches, a few locations may reach 3 or more inches. There's a very low chance for a brief tornado or waterspout across southern sections from Okeechobee County east to Martin and St. Lucie counties, as well as the Atlantic waters. Small craft should exercise caution.

Mid-morning tropical weather outlook issued by the National Hurricane Center. Locally heavy rainfall will continue to be possible across the Florida Keys today. #KeyWest #FLwx #FloridaKeys pic.twitter.com/BaUPszdE1J — NWS Key West (@NWSKeyWest) May 14, 2018

11:21 a.m.: Strong rip currents have been reported along East Coast beaches this morning.

9:17 a.m.: National Weather Service Melbourne said there is a marginal risk for severe storms in southern areas today. Widespread rain with occasional heavy downpours for all of east Central Florida.

8:17 a.m.: A special marine warning has been issued until 9:15 a.m. over Lake Okeechobee. Strong storms are affecting the lake, with waterspouts and wind gusts of 34 knots or greater possible.

8:04 a.m.: National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued 24 rain totals and warned more is on the way.

May 14 | Here are some 24 hour rainfall totals. More on the way! #flwx pic.twitter.com/J4di6pg5Kv — NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) May 14, 2018

7:30 a.m.: Tornado warning for Martin County has expired. No new warnings have been issued.

More: Weather system in Gulf to bring heavy rain to Treasure Coast this week

6:50 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Martin County until 7:30 a.m. Weather Service meteorologists also are warning of marble-sized hail that may fall on areas.

At 6:47 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 10 miles east of Indiantown, moving northwest at 20 mph.

This tornado thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of central Martin County.

A thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was reported 10 miles east of Indiantown, according to the Weather Service. It was moving northwest at 20 mph.

Meteorologists are warning of flying debris that may damage roofs, windows, vehicles and mobile homes.

6:39 a.m.: A significant weather advisory has been issued for southwest St. Lucie and Martin counties until 7:30 a.m.

Tornado Warning including Martin County, FL until 7:30 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/H4MiL5AqIW — NWS Melbourne (@NWSMelbourne) May 14, 2018

At 6:37 a.m., Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 5 miles southeast of Indiantown, moving northwest at 35 mph. This storm is also capable of producing funnel clouds.

Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm.

Locations impacted include Indiantown and Palm City.

6:30 a.m.: Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Melbourne said the storm has weakened on its way north toward the Martin County line.

However, a low chance for a tornado spin-out is "still a threat" in central and western Martin County at this time, according to meteorologist Matt Volkmer.

The Weather Service in Miami is warning of strong thunderstorms with winds upward of 45 mph in Palm Beach County. Funnel clouds are possible.

6:13 a.m.: At 6:12 a.m., radar indicated strong rotation capable of producing a tornado located 8 miles south of Indiantown, moving northwest at 20 mph. This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of north central Palm Beach County.

EARLIER STORY

Heavy rains are starting to move into Martin County.

A tornado warning was issued in Palm Beach County until 6:30 a.m.

The National Weather Service warned there is a low but discernible threat for a brief tornado, especially around Lake Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast today.

A developing area of low pressure over the eastern Gulf of Mexico will consolidate and drift slowly northward through tonight.

Tornado Warning including Palm Beach County, FL until 6:30 AM EDT pic.twitter.com/2ohrMrqgEi — NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) May 14, 2018

Deep tropical moisture coupled with daytime heating will produce widespread rain with embedded showers and a few storms with cloud to ground lightning strikes, mainly during the afternoon.

More: Messy system forming in Gulf, brings rain to Brevard

More: 4 inches of rain could be coming over the weekend to Treasure Coast

Any storms which form will move north at 15 to 20 mph.

Rainfall will be heavy at times today into tonight. Widespread totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts of 3 to 5 inches in locations that receive multiple rounds of heavier showers or storms, especially near the east coast.

Isolated storms could produce wind gusts up to 35 knots over the local Atlantic, intracoastal waterway and area inland lakes. Isolated waterspouts will also be possible. Seas are forecast to be up to 5 feet well offshore today, and as high as 6 feet by tonight. Small craft operators should exercise caution if headed well offshore.

More: Contact TCPalm with news tips

The low pressure area will drift slowly north over the eastern Gulf through mid week, eventually moving onshore the Gulf Coast and weakening by late Wednesday. However, deep tropical moisture will remain in place throughout the end of the week.

Widespread rain and a few storms will continue on Tuesday. Locally heavy rainfall is expected with accumulations of 1 to 2 inches over the interior counties and 2 to 4 inches along the coast, with locally higher amounts.

While the local weather pattern will return to one of mainly afternoon and early evening showers and lightning storms from Wednesday onward, the chance for lightning storms with heavy rainfall will remain well above normal.