Gulf system to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to Volusia, Flagler this week

Although the low-pressure system in the Gulf of Mexico is not likely to become a tropical storm, it will still bring heavy rain and possibly high gusts to several parts of Florida, including Volusia and Flagler counties.

According to the National Hurricane Center, "the system is forecast to move across the Florida peninsula this weekend and emerge into the southwestern Atlantic Ocean by early next week."

Rain chances would begin to "creep up" on Wednesday in the Volusia area, but they will start increasing in the next couple of days, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Kole Sehling.

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"Right now, the main threat through Sunday is going to be heavy rainfall," Sehling said, adding that there will be isolated threats of stronger thunderstorms with winds of up to 50 mph.

Similar conditions are expected in Flagler County, according to Flagler County Emergency Management.

High chance of rain; 2-3 inches expected

Thursday's rain forecast for the area is at 60%, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, and 70% Friday and Saturday. Chances are expected to lower to around 30% by Sunday night, Sehling said.

Temperatures will stay in the low- to mid-80s through the week, he added.

"Through Sunday, we are expecting 2 to 3 inches of rain with locally higher amounts, up to 4 to 6 inches possible," he said.

Isolated areas could also see flooding if they experience multiple thunderstorms and showers.

Over the past few weekends, weather systems have also made surf conditions dangerous for beachgoers, with high risks of rip currents, which are expected to continue throughout the week, according to Volusia Beach Safety Captain Alex Miller.

Sehling confirmed the incoming system would contribute to such surf conditions over the next several days, and that they will not start to improve until the beginning of next week.

The official start of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. The first named storm of the season will be Arlene.