The change in forecast was a welcomed development as the New Orleans area steels itself for the approaching heart of the hurricane season.

The system’s slow passage over Florida has meant days of rain throughout the state, leading to street flooding in South Florida. However, the Miami office of the National Weather Service expects the rain to slow down, alleviating any concerns about deep flooding.

Flood watches are in effect for the southern half of Louisiana, including Lake Charles, Lafayette and New Orleans, as well as the immediate coastline of Mississippi.

Hurricane center forecasters said the system, designated as Invest 93L, is forecast to continue moving westward and could emerge or redevelop.

Central Florida to experience heavy rain and storms with potential for a tropical depression and lightning, as predicted by NWS Melbourne FL.

So far in 2025, National Weather Service offices have issued more flood warnings than any other year on record dating back to 1986.

A storm moving over Florida brought drenching rains to the region and the continued threat of gaining strength, forecasters said Tuesday.