Tropical storm Dexter could be next as Florida faces flood threats

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 16, 2025 06:21 IST

A drenching weather system sweeping across Florida on Tuesday has not yet reached tropical depression status, but the Weather Service (NWS) warned it could develop into one later this week.

If named, the system would be called Tropical Storm Dexter, though it's expected to be far less dangerous than the fictional serial killer from the Florida-based crime drama Dexter.

According to the NWS, a low-pressure area off Florida’s east coast became more defined as it moved west across the peninsula. The system has brought heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flash flooding through midweek. Forecasters said environmental conditions in the northeastern and north-central Gulf are conducive to development into a tropical depression by later this week.

As reported by ABC News, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is only six weeks in, yet three named storms, Andrea, Barry, and Chantal, have already formed. Andrea dissipated in the Atlantic last month, Barry caused heavy rainfall in eastern Mexico, and Chantal struck South Carolina, with its remnants causing deadly flooding in North Carolina. If the current system strengthens, Dexter would become the fourth named storm.

STROM FORECAST AND PREDICTIONS

The Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects 13 to 19 named storms this season, with six to ten becoming hurricanes and up to five reaching major hurricane status.

According to ABC News, researchers at Colorado State University estimate 17 named storms, including four potential major hurricanes with winds exceeding 110 mph (177 kph), as reported by ABC News.

FLORIDA 'S NEW WEATHER MODIFICATION LAW RAISES CONCERNS

Amid increased weather anxiety, Uthmeier, the Florida Attorney General, sent a warning to airports this week. Beginning in October, airports will be required to report any aircraft engaged in "weather modification" under new state legislation. The action comes after unsubstantiated social media accusations have sought to blame cloud seeding for fatal Texas floods during the Fourth of July weekend. Specialists have rebuffed the accusations, affirming there's no proof connecting the floods with weather manipulation.

"This material is sounding pretty ominous to me," Uthmeier said Tuesday, noting that failure to comply with the new reporting requirements would result in penalties, possibly even criminal charges.

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