7 to 10 inches of rain: Bay County expected to be swamped this week. Here's the forecast

Nathan Cobb, The News Herald
·2 min read

PANAMA CITY — Weather conditions in Bay County are forecast to be very wet for at least the next seven days.

According to Eric Bunker, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, about 7-10 inches of rain is expected for Bay County from Tuesday through July 18, with higher amounts possible in isolated areas.

Bunker said flash flooding is likely throughout the area.

The National Weather Service in Tallahassee said Tuesday morning that about 7-10 inches of rain is forecast to fall throughout Bay County during the next seven days. This could cause localized flash flooding.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee said Tuesday morning that about 7-10 inches of rain is forecast to fall throughout Bay County during the next seven days. This could cause localized flash flooding.

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"The region has a lot of moisture over it right now," Bunker said. "A lot of the rain that falls along the coast just drains off into the Gulf and the bay, but if those totals do fall over a short period of time ... that would likely cause significant flash flooding across Bay County."

There is a 60% to 80% chance of rain every day this week, Bunker noted.

Officials with Panama City Beach and Bay County said Tuesday morning that no areas were set up yet for residents to collect sandbags.

Lynn Haven officials said bags were available at the concession stands of A.L. Kinsaul and Cain Griffin parks, and sand was available behind the Lynn Haven Animal Shelter near the Lynn Haven Sports Park.

While afternoon showers are common during summer months, Bunker said the current patch of stormy weather will create higher-than-normal rain totals in Bay County.

The county was not at risk of severe weather from strong winds as of Tuesday morning, but Bunker said that could change during the coming days.

Bunker also said he would not be surprised if the National Weather Service issues flash flood warnings for the area later this week. None was in effect Tuesday afternoon.

"The major impacts that we're really harping on right now are the heavy rains (and the) localized flash flooding potential," he said. "It's definitely a soaking rain ... that could cause some ponding on roadways."

Because of this, Bunker said it is important for residents to be on the lookout for flash flooding and avoid driving on roads covered with water.

"If you're going out to do grocery shopping or something and a roadway is closed, or there's water over a roadway and you can't tell how deep it is, it's better to find a different route, turn around (and) make sure you don't drown," he said. "Folks should always pay attention any time we see (rainfall) totals this high."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay County expected to get 7 to 10 inches of rain in next week