Geographical variation throughout the state in the frequency of heavy rainfall is then explored. This is followed by a discussion of the relative importance of torrential rainstorms of different magnitudes. First heavy torrential rains are defined. This study seeks to better understand the significance of heavy rainfall within Florida. Most of Florida's cities today have adequate storm drainage systems to meet the demands of a sudden intense downpour, but flooding, sometimes on a major scale, does occur. Not only are such storms more frequent than in the interior of the state, but a large share of the urban area is covered by pavement and roofs, which concentrate runoff into low areas. Most of the state's densely populated areas are situated on the shore of either the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, and are especially vulnerable to rainstorms. Although the sandy soils of the Peninsula are capable of absorbing water rapidly, their ability to absorb large amounts is limited because the water table is normally very close to the surface. Florida is especially vulnerable to flooding because it is both low and flat. Torrential rain, since it is usually accompanied by intense atmospheric turbulence, has the potential of causing much property damage, as well as the destruction of agricultural crops and livestock. The village retained the national record until July 25th-26th, 1979 when 43 inches fell on Alvin, Texas, situated between Houston and Galveston. Yankeetown, a small fishing port on the northwestern side of the peninsula, during September 5th, 1950 was swamped by 38.7 inches of rain. For several decades a Florida weather station held the nations record for the most rain to fall in a 24-hour period. Along the coasts of both northwestern and southeastern Florida torrential rain makes the heaviest contribution, while in the interior of the peninsula it contributes the least. Rain of this magnitude contributes approximately ten percent of the total precipitation that falls on the state, more in some parts of it, less in others. Torrential rain in Florida is here defined as three inches or more in one calendar day. that experiences frequent episodes of torrential rain ( Map 1). This was most true of South Florida stations.įlorida lies within a broad region along the Gulf and Atlantic coastal plains of the southeastern U.S. However, when data were organized by Enso phase it was shown that during the La Niña phase torrential rainfall, especially of 5 inches or more in a day, was more frequent than during the phase named El Niño. During the 51 years of daily observations for 48 weather stations no cyclical pattern of torrential rain was discerned. The distribution of torrential rain throughout the state is much more uneven during years when they are most frequent than when few such storms occur. As a consequence that part of the state has no seasonal concentration. Mid- latitude low pressure systems, that pass over or near North Florida in the winter, often produce heavy rain. Except for North Florida, rainstorms are heavily concentrated in the warm months. The Panhandle and the Gold Coast experience such weather events more than elsewhere in the state. Rain of at least this magnitude is far more frequent along Florida's coasts than in its interior. Torrential rain is here defined as at least 3 inches in a single day. (Associate of the Florida Climate Center)įlorida is situated within a part of the United States where torrential rain is a common occurrence. This email address is being protected from spambots.
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