A tropical low-pressure system is expected to bring rain and storms to Jacksonville and surrounding areas this afternoon as The Weather Authority tracks its path across Florida and into the Gulf.

Radar is down at two National Weather Service locations in Florida: Jacksonville and Melbourne. NWS Melbourne tells WESH 2 First Warning Chief Meteorologist Tony Mainolfi that its equipment took a hit from a lightning strike around 5:15 p.m. Sunday.

The area of low pressure was just offshore the coast of Florida on July 15 and was becoming better organised, forecasters said.

Jacksonville faces severe afternoon storms, high heat, and a risk of localized flooding with more rain in the forecast, according to First Alert Meteorologist Katie Garner and The Weather Authority.

Jacksonville faces a week of thunderstorms with an 80% chance of rain today and high humidity setting up for persistent showers.

There have been nine lightning fatalities in the United States this year, with one in Florida. The Sunshine State is the lightning capital of the U.S.

Tampa Bay got the numbers on vacancies at the NWS offices in Florida, and multiple positions are unfilled as hurricane season ramps up. Here's a breakdown.

Jacksonville, FL, forecast: showers and thunderstorms likely with highs around 93°F and a heat index up to 105°F.