Flood watch in effect for South Florida ahead of Milton, worst flooding still to come

With Hurricane Milton strengthening into a massive hurricane expected to hit Florida’s Gulf Coast later this week, South Florida already is feeling the effects of the weather with heavy rains and a flood watch issued Monday morning for the entire region, from Flamingo in Monroe County to northern Palm Beach County.

The flood watch will remain in effect until Thursday morning, the National Weather Service said in its Monday morning forecast. The worst flooding is expected to occur between late Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.

South Florida is at moderate risk for heavy rainfall from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning. Storm surge is expected to affect coastal Collier County, home to Naples and other cities.

“One of the real important things we emphasize is that most likely there is street flooding and pumping of water on the roadways,” said Anthony Reynes, senior meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami. “Drivers must exercise extreme caution and don’t cross flooded streets because you don’t know what’s in there. Most people that die in flooding die within vehicles.”

By Monday afternoon, Hurricane Milton, fueled by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, exploded into Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175 mph.

Forecasters expect it to weaken to a Category 3 storm, which is still powerful, when it makes landfall late Wednesday somewhere on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Much of Florida’s Gulf Coast was under a hurricane or tropical storm watch Monday.

For South Florida, expect rains and flooding. As of Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service called for a flood advisory for all of Broward and Palm Beach counties until 5:45 p.m.

In Miami-Dade, a flood advisory was in effect until 3:45 p.m. Monday. From 1 to 3 inches of rain was expected. Areas likely impacted were south Miami-Dade, Kendall, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay and Country Walk, the weather service said.

READ MORE: Milton strengthening into major hurricane as Florida preps for massive evacuations

All of South Florida can expect heavy wind from Tuesday evening into early Thursday.

READ MORE: As Milton approaches Gulf Coast, experts warn of ‘wet and windy’ week for South Florida

This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 10:02 AM.

Michael Butler

Miami Herald

Michael Butler writes about minority business and trends that affect marginalized professionals in South Florida. As a business reporter for the Miami Herald, he tells inclusive stories that reflect South Florida’s diversity. Just like Miami’s diverse population, Butler, a Temple University graduate, has both local roots and a Panamanian heritage.