Erika Maybe Gone But Her Remnants Live On

Tropical Storm Erika may have died over Cuba on Saturday, but her remnants have washed ashore on Florida.  For some this is welcomed news, for others it will be way too much of a good thing.

Southeast Florida is experiencing an extreme drought.  According to the National Weather Service, Miami and West Palm Beach are both ten inches below normal year-to-date for 2015.  Any rainfall in this part of the Sunshine State is welcomed to help alleviate an historic drought.

Western Florida, on the other hand, doesn’t need the extra moisture associated with the remnants of Erika.  According to the National Weather Service, Tampa is 21 inches above normal year-to-date for 2015.  The Tampa Bay area experienced major flooding events all throughout this summer and more rain from Erika’s remnants will quickly inundate the region once again.  This is why the National Weather Service issued a Flood Warning for rivers in western Florida through Thursday in advance of Erika’s arrival.

So while Erika may no longer be the tropical system it was a few days ago, it will still leave a lasting impact on the Sunshine State.

For WeatherNation:  Meteorologist, Jason Cerjak

Photos courtesy:  Gary Blinebury (via Twitter)