Okeechobee Schools Close as Storm Dumps 7 Inches of Rain

A developing storm system has triggered severe flooding across the Florida peninsula.

Most of the southern half of the state is under a Flood Watch through early Tuesday morning.

Heavy moisture will remain in place, bringing an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain south of Interstate 4.

Isolated areas face 3 to 5 inches if thunderstorms move in tight loops.

Lake Okeechobee communities received 5 to 7 inches of rainfall on Sunday.

Drainage systems and local lakes are struggling to absorb the excess water.

Okeechobee County officials closed schools and county offices on Monday.

A shelter opened at Seminole Elementary School for residents who could not stay home.

The Okeechobee School District stated that safety remains the highest priority for students and staff.

District teams are monitoring facilities and local roadways for further updates.

Officials will address any need for makeup days in the coming days.

In Palm Beach County, the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a Learjet crash from Sunday's weather event in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. At least nine people died in the accident. Two shelters opened for hundreds of people who had trouble reaching home. Investigators will examine weather conditions as one of many factors in the months ahead. Along the Atlantic coast, the storm system is moving offshore. A ridge of high pressure over the mid-Atlantic combines with the storm to create hazardous beach conditions. Rip currents, coastal flooding, and erosion are possible. Wind gusts could exceed 40 mph through the first half of the week. Seas may reach 10 feet. Swimmers and boaters are advised to use extreme caution. Forecast models show most rainfall moving offshore by late Tuesday, which is Election Day. The weather pattern will become less active toward the end of the week. The low pressure area will be monitored for tropical development while it moves hundreds of miles east of Florida. It will continue to head away from the United States.