Alligator Alcatraz may see up to 50 mph winds, hail from thunderstorms, NWS says
Alligator Alcatraz and the surrounding Everglades will be the latest South Florida region to get a taste of torrential downpours — and maybe some hail — as summer showers continue this weekend.
The National Weather Service has placed the temporary immigration detention center and Big Cypress National Preserve under a special weather statement until 5:30 p.m., meaning strong wind gusts and possible flooding are imminent.
The area is forecast to see 45 to 50 mph wind gusts with half-inch-sized hail and torrential rainfall. This is expected to knock down tree limbs, blow around unsecured objects and do minor damage to outdoor items.
READ MORE: Bunk beds and 28,000 feet of razor wire. Look inside Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz
Forecasters are warning that due to torrential rainfall there may be some flooding, along with lightning strikes.
“Seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passes,” forecasters wrote.
Alligator Alcatraz is comprised of tents and trailers inside the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport. Inside these tents are rows of two-tier bunk beds inside large cells that are surrounded by chain-link fences. Hundreds of people are already being detained inside Alligator Alcatraz.
The state has said that the detention center can withstand hurricane conditions. Tropical storm wind gusts range from 39 to 73 mph, which is what the area will experience Sunday.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Hundreds at Alligator Alcatraz have no criminal charges, Miami Herald learns
This story was originally published July 13, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
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