Tallahassee and much of the Florida Big Bend remain under a flood watch through Monday afternoon after a storm system produced record rainfall Saturday, and forecasters warned that several more rounds of heavy rain could bring flash flooding.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee reported that 3.68 inches of rain fell in Tallahassee on Saturday, breaking the previous daily rainfall record of 3.05 inches that had stood since 1899.
"Today`s rain could be more than yesterday for the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend," forecasters wrote in their morning discussion.
With saturated ground and waterways already swollen from weekend rainfall, forecasters say additional rainfall could create dangerous flooding conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service, much of the eastern Florida Panhandle and Big Bend could receive another 2 to 4 inches of rain through Monday, with isolated locations seeing as much as 5 to 8 inches. The greatest threat for flash flooding is focused on the southeastern Big Bend, including portions of Taylor and Dixie counties. Dixie saw as much as 10 inches of rain in the past few days.
A flood watch remains in effect for Leon County and surrounding areas as repeated rounds of heavy rain move across the region. The weather service said low-lying areas, locations with poor drainage and places that received significant rainfall Saturday will be especially vulnerable to flooding.
The Tallahassee forecast office also highlighted a slight risk, or Level 2 of 4, for excessive rainfall across the region, indicating the potential for scattered flash flooding.
Rainfall outlook maps issued Sunday morning showed some of the highest forecast totals east and southeast of Tallahassee, with parts of the southeastern Big Bend projected to receive 4 to 6 inches of additional rainfall by Monday.
Officials urged residents to remain weather-aware and closely monitor forecasts, warnings and local conditions. Drivers are advised never to enter flooded roadways, even if the water appears shallow.
"Turn around, don't drown," the National Weather Service said in its flood safety messaging.
The latest U.S. drought map released Thursday showed that Leon County is no longer in a drought, though the county is still listed as being "abnormally dry." With Saturday and Sunday's rain, the capital county may be taken off the map entirely.
"It's likely to make even more of dent," said Wright Dobbs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee. He also noted that it will be very helpful to eastern Big Bend counties which are still grappling with sever and extreme droughts.
Showers and thunderstorms will continue Monday to start off the week, mostly tapering off by about 4 p.m.
Some lingering showers and thunderstorms can be expected on Tuesday as the storm system lifts north and drifts further east.
"Then for the rest of the week, we dry out to a more typical summertime pattern with 30-40% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms," forecasters say.
Portions of this weather report were generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: How much fell? Tallahassee flood watch continues after record rain