Rain soaking Jacksonville and beyond<\/p>\n
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019ve looked out the window today, you\u2019ve probably seen the steady stream of rain in Jacksonville, Jack\u2019s Beach, and stretching up and down the Northeast Florida coast into Southeast Georgia. I\u2019m News4JAX meteorologist Katie Garner, and we sure needed this rain\u2014many neighborhoods from Nocatee and Ponte Vedra to Deerwood Club are seeing heavy showers, and the beach communities from Atlantic Beach to Palm Valley are getting wet too.<\/p>\n Even areas like Mayport are getting a quick break, but it\u2019s not expected to last long. Farther south, Bakersville and Green Cove Springs are in the thick of it, while our friends up in Waycross and Brunswick, Georgia, are seeing some lighter rain. I\u2019ve got my eye on the radar using Exact Track 4D, and most of our area will be dealing with these showers much of the day.<\/p>\n Storm timeline and lightning threat<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to expect as we move through the afternoon and evening: Rain is likely to continue\u2014and even ramp up and become more widespread\u2014between now and 12 p.m. Storms could range from garden-variety rumbles to some strong, possibly severe, thunderstorms. If you\u2019re out and about, keep an ear out for thunder because lightning activity is already being detected near Stark, and we saw plenty of strikes this morning, especially around Deerwood Club.<\/p>\n Storm chances increase as we head into the evening, with the highest risk for stronger storms in areas highlighted on our severe risk map\u2014think World Golf Village, Gainesville, and Flagler Beach. Wind gusts are forecast to be the main concern with these storms. Storms may stick around into tonight, and we can\u2019t rule out a few pop-ups overnight.<\/p>\n Wind gusts, lightning, and safety tips<\/p>\n The wind is another part of the story today. Current wind gusts are ranging from the teens up to 30 mph, while temperatures are sticking in the 70s.<\/p>\n With these gusts and lightning, keep in mind there\u2019s an increased risk for downed tree limbs and power lines. Lightning, especially when the ground is dry, is one of nature\u2019s most common fire starters\u2014so please stay weather aware. It\u2019s a day to grab the umbrella and keep an eye on the sky.<\/p>\n Share your Jacksonville weather photos<\/p>\n