Florida Space Coast Hit with Over 11 Inches of Rain in One Night — Titusville Faces Major Flooding Threat
TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA — A rare and explosive storm system drenched Florida’s Space Coast late Sunday, unleashing more than 11 inches of rain overnight in parts of Titusville, according to FOX 35 Storm Team meteorologists.
The storm, which developed from an unexpected convergence of humid and dry air, produced slow-moving thunderstorms, torrential downpours, intense lightning, and wind gusts up to 50 mph in the Cocoa area.
“This was a low chance of happening, but wow,” meteorologists said during a live update Sunday night. “Major convergence of humid and dry air caused slow-moving storms and downpours.”
Rainfall Totals Break Records Overnight
The National Weather Service radar indicated 11.9 inches of rainfall in Titusville, 9.6 inches near Bellwood, and over 6 inches around Cocoa and Canaveral Acres — all within a 12-hour period.
The heaviest downpours remained stationary for hours, overwhelming storm drains and flooding roads across the Space Coast, especially near Port Saint John and Williams Point.
Radar imagery shared by FOX 35 showed intense clusters of storms stretching from Playalinda Beach to Rockledge, with widespread lightning and short bursts of severe wind.
Possible Tornado and Severe Wind Reports
Meteorologists warned that a brief tornado could form within the powerful storm cells, though no confirmed touchdown had been reported as of early Monday morning.
The storm wind tracker also detected strong rotation near Cocoa and Port Saint John, indicating turbulent atmospheric conditions that may have produced microbursts or short-lived funnel activity.
Authorities advised residents to remain indoors overnight as conditions continued to evolve, with severe thunderstorm warnings in effect for Brevard County until after midnight.
Localized Flooding and Road Closures
By late Sunday, several low-lying areas around Titusville and Cocoa were impassable due to flash flooding. Emergency crews urged drivers to avoid standing water and check for updated road advisories before traveling.
Flood-prone neighborhoods near Indian River City and Bellwood saw water levels rise rapidly, stranding vehicles and creating hazardous travel conditions.
“We’re seeing flooding in areas that usually stay dry,” one resident told local reporters. “It just kept raining, hour after hour — I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Lightning, Wind, and Coastal Hazards
The storm tracker radar reported over 300 lightning strikes within a short span as thunderstorms built over the coast.
In Cocoa, wind gusts topped 50 mph, downing small tree limbs and debris across several residential streets.
Meteorologists noted that these conditions were the result of a rare atmospheric setup — a boundary of dry air aloft clashing with humid Gulf moisture, triggering severe convection over the same area for hours.
Looking Ahead: Drier Air Moves In
Forecasters expect the storms to gradually taper off by Monday afternoon, with drier air moving into central Florida. However, localized flooding could persist through the morning hours, particularly in Titusville’s hardest-hit neighborhoods.
Residents are advised to stay alert for any additional advisories from the National Weather Service Melbourne office as crews assess damage and monitor lingering high water.
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I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.