Tuesday, March 26

Tropical storm no longer expected but South Florida still braces for floods


South Florida saw flooding rain overnight, with more wet weather expected Saturday due to a poorly organized disturbance that is just off the state’s west coast.

The Tampa Bay area, meanwhile, should only experience spatters of rain and some gusty winds on Saturday before the system exits Florida by the evening.

A flash flood warning was in effect until at least noon for parts of Miami-Dade and Broward, including Miami, Key Biscayne, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Aventura and Miami Gardens. South Florida also remains under a flood watch and tropical storm warning.

The tropical storm warning on Saturday morning was discontinued for the west coast of Florida north of Bonita Beach. The National Weather Service in Miami has received reports in the past 24 hours of areas across Miami-Dade seeing more than six inches of rain, with some areas seeing up to 11 inches. TV news showed some parts of Brickell so flooded, cars were stuck Saturday morning. The bad weather has also messed with travel plans, with dozens of flights expected to be canceled or delayed at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The National Hurricane Center expects the region will see even more rain, with a total of six to 10 inches, with some isolated areas seeing up to 15 inches. “It just goes to show, you don’t need a name for it to have big impacts,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Ana Torres-Vazquez.

Forecasters say the system is unlikely to strengthen into a tropical storm before reaching Florida’s west coast. The track now shows it crossing through southern or central Florida and possibly turning into Tropical Storm Alex off the state’s east coast by Saturday night as it moves into the Atlantic.

Also Read  Why is the left silent on Trudeau’s crackdown?

The National Hurricane Center said its because the system has continued to deteriorate overnight and still has no well-defined center. “In other words, the system has gone the wrong way in becoming a tropical cyclone,” the hurricane center said in its Saturday morning discussion. However, because South Florida is on the wetter side of the system, also known as the “dirty” side, it means the region will still get the worst weather as it crosses the state.

Forecasters expect tropical storm conditions, especially squalls, will begin in South Florida Saturday with a couple of tornadoes possible through the early afternoon. The Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Card Sound Bridge to North Miami Beach, including Biscayne Bay, could also see one to two feet of storm surge if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide.

Miami Herald staff writers Devoun Cetoute, Michelle Marchante and David Goodhue contributed to this report

• • •

2022 Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Guide

IT’S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane.

RISING THREAT: Tampa Bay will flood. Here’s how to get ready.

DOUBLE-CHECK: Checklists for building all kinds of hurricane kits

PHONE IT IN: Use your smartphone to protect your data, documents and photos.

SELF-CARE: Protect your mental health during a hurricane.

• • •

PART 1: The Tampa Bay Times partnered with the National Hurricane Center for a revealing look at future storms.

PART 2: Even weak hurricanes can cause huge storm surges. Experts say people don’t understand the risk.

PART 3: Tampa Bay has huge flood risk. What should we do about it?

Also Read  Is it Presidents' Day, President's Day or Presidents Day?

INTERACTIVE MAP: Search your Tampa Bay neighborhood to see the hurricane flood risk.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *