BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – It has been windy, rainy and colder this weekend in South Florida.
A flood watch was in effect for metro Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and a coastal flood statement was in effect through Sunday morning for the Florida Keys.
Excessive rain may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, according to the National Weather Center.
Numerous flood and wind alerts have been posted across the state through the weekend, and preparations are underway in coastal communities as they brace for beach erosion even as they still recover from last year’s major storms such as Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole.
According to Local 10 Meteorologist Brandon Orr, the flood watch is in place until Sunday morning and around 3 to 6 inches of rain is expected. The severe weather is not expected to washout the entire weekend.
The NWS said the wind will remain strong with gusts that reach 35-45 mph throughout the day. A wind advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday morning.
The Florida Keys were also getting heavier rainbands on Saturday morning.
A few storms with winds up to 58 mph is possible along with a few isolated waterspouts or weak tornadoes are also possible, according to the NWS.
There have been scattered showers throughout parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but they are quickly moving. The light steady rain looks to fill in as the morning continues and heavy rain is expected by midday.
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The most active and most intense weather looks to come through during the afternoon and evening hours. Things should be improving by midnight, according to Orr.
On Sunday morning, there is still a chance for lingering showers as the cold front swings through. This will bring back dry air by the afternoon and much-improved condition into next week, the NWS said.
Officials are urging South Florida residents living in areas prone to flooding to be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
Officials said gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects and tree limbs could be blown down resulting in a few power outages in neighborhoods throughout South Florida.
Barriers were placed on Hollywood Beach as the area is prone to flooding.
Some people were spotted hanging out at bars along the broadwalk Saturday evening but not as many as on a typical Saturday night.
People were staying out of the water throughout the day due to the high surf, but a couple people from out of town were spotted checking out the scene on the sand.
One woman from Toronto said she’s not complaining as she will be in South Florida through the holidays.
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday activated the new Florida State Guard, a civilian volunteer organization created last year, to assist with any storm impacts from such things as flooding and high winds.
“The Florida State Guard plays an essential role in Florida’s preparation for and swift response to severe weather,” DeSantis said in a news release.
By Saturday night, the storm was expected to be moving into southeast Georgia and then it will move up the Atlantic coast, arriving near the Carolinas by Monday, according to the NWS.
Luke Frye, who flew into South Florida from Michigan, told Local 10 News that he was going to enjoy the beach no matter what kind of weather he gets this weekend.
“I mean it’s still pretty warm,” he said. “70 degrees is nice weather besides the wind and the waves. It’s alright compared to Michigan.”
Local 10′s Cody Weddle was on South Beach Saturday afternoon and evening as things were much quieter than usual.
It was mostly a wind event for most of the day, but a lot more rain was coming down by nightfall.
An Italian restaurant owner, who’s been in business in Miami Beach for 25 years, said he’s seen business decrease by about 60% over the last couple of days due to the weather.
But some tourists were taking advantage of the high surf and weather that was much warmer than where they’re from.
Two German tourists who Weddle spoke with said this is their first time in the U.S. and they were loving the weather and the water Saturday.
“It’s warm, it’s really warm,” one of the men said after taking a dip in the ocean.
“It’s so great,” his friend added. “Miami Beach is the best place in the world!”
Police are urging the public to drive with caution, especially if operating a high-profile vehicle.
According to Florida Power & Light, there were 1,105 reported power outages in Miami-Dade County and 1,215 reported outages in Broward County as of 9 p.m. Saturday.
According to FlightAware.com, Miami International Airport has experienced 377 delays and one cancellation and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport had 251 delays and one cancellation, as of 9 p.m., due to inclement weather in both areas.
To report or check the status of a power outage, go to FPL.com/outage.
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