Storm drenches Florida before heading up East Coast

TALAHASSEE, Fla. — A storm dumped up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain on Florida, flooding streets and causing the cancellation of boat parades and other holiday celebrations before moving up the East Coast on Sunday.

The National Weather Service has issued several flood warnings and minor flood advisories for much of the state, from the southwest Gulf Coast to Jacksonville. However, major airports remained open at the start of a busy holiday season.

“Today is not the day to go swimming or boating!” Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Coastal advisories were issued for much of the state as strong winds churned waters in the Gulf and along the North Atlantic coast.

The storm could be good news for Southwest Florida residents dealing with water restrictions and drought heading into what is normally the region's dry season.