rain

It is set to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and the threat of tornadoes on Tuesday, the official first day of winter. It will leave cooler weather ahead of Christmas.

We can expect lingering clouds and a gusty breeze by Sunday.

The storm system likely to wash out many outdoor plans Friday and Saturday across the state and will depart the region quickly Sunday.

La Niña leading up to the winter months follows an early end to what has been an active rainy season.

Rain on Monday will be mainly across the northeast and central parts of the state, but sinking as far south as the I-4 corridor.

The remnants of Hurricane Nicholas will bring higher rain chances of mainly afternoon thunderstorms.

Moisture associated with Tropical Storm Mindy could produce localized flooding and frequent lightning as the storms move from southwest to northeast.

The disturbance strengthened Wednesday afternoon and is forecast to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle Wednesday night.

Forecasters say a tropical or subtropical depression, or named storm, could form before moving inland over the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday night.

Heavy rain is likely to expand southward into the I-4 corridor during the day Wednesday.

Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in Cape San Blas in the Florida Panhandle, and that area could receive up to a foot of rain. The greater Tampa Bay region could experience rain bands and dangerous rip currents.

Forecasters say heavy rainfall from Grace could impact portions of Cuba, the Bahamas, and Florida by mid to late week — but the forecast uncertainty is much higher than usual.