Florida East Coast Braces for Rain and Flooding
Persistent onshore winds and heavy showers are forecast to bring minor coastal flooding and rough surf to Florida's eastern shoreline this week.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Forecasts
A broad area of high pressure over the Eastern states is driving a persistent onshore flow that will keep showers and downpours along southeast Florida from Tuesday through Friday, November 15-20, 2026. Winds gusting 20-25 mph are expected to push water inland and promote minor coastal flooding.
Why it matters
Moisture pumped in from the Atlantic, combined with onshore winds, is raising the risk of flooding in areas already soaked, including West Palm Beach, which recorded over a foot of rain in 48 hours earlier this month. Residents along the coast face the greatest exposure, especially during high tide.
Forecasters project peak wind gusts of 20-25 mph and general rainfall of 1-2 inches along the east coast, with localized bands of 3-4 inches possible, following over a foot of rain in 48 hours at West Palm Beach earlier this month. It remains unclear precisely where the heaviest bands will set up along the coast.
The details
A persistent easterly to northeasterly flow from the Atlantic is bringing moisture into southeastern Florida while onshore winds push water against the eastern coastline. Strong rip currents and rough breaking surf are also expected along the eastern shoreline, and the wet, windy pattern is forecast to begin easing later this week.
Timeline
Early November 2026: West Palm Beach received over a foot of rain in 48 hours.
Tuesday through Friday, November 15-20, 2026: Numerous showers and downpours persist along southeast Florida's coast.
Later this week: The wet and windy pattern begins to ease across Florida.
Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2026: Rain and showers may still pepper the western shoreline.
Seasonal Patterns
This forecast follows the recurring pattern of onshore-wind-driven minor coastal flooding on Florida's Atlantic shore during autumn high-pressure setups. Its rainfall projections are compared against the more than foot of rain West Palm Beach already received in 48 hours earlier this month.
Residents along Florida's east coast should avoid driving through standing water and stay out of the surf given strong rip currents and rough breakers. Pay attention to high-tide timing, since coastal flooding is expected to worsen during those periods.
The takeaway
Wind-driven coastal flooding can build quickly even without a storm, so check tide tables before heading to the shore this week. Keep an eye on rip current warnings if you plan to swim or surf along the east coast.
Further reading
For broader context on the state's rainy and windy spells, explore the Forecasts section.
