What is Tropical Storm Laura bringing to South Florida? Expect more gusts and squalls
Although Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to stay south of South Florida as it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, the region could still see gusty and squally showers, thunderstorms and rip currents through Monday, forecasters said.
The worst of the weather will be in the lower and middle Keys, which is under a tropical storm warning from Craig Key to Key West. The areas are also under a coastal flood watch.
The Florida Keys can expect to see winds between 20 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph in squalls, according to the National Weather Service in Key West.
The potential for flooding rain has decreased since Monday morning and is now “low,” forecasters said. There is still a possibility for up to two feet of storm surge, which may cause dangerous driving conditions.
Parts of the Keys may also see winds up to 57 mph, enough to damage porches, carports, sheds and unanchored mobile homes, according to the National Weather Service’s “Threat and Impacts” webpage.
Forecasters say the situation remains “somewhat favorable” for tornadoes.
What about the rest of South Florida?
Isolated thunderstorms with wind gusts up to 55 mph will be possible across South Florida Monday, with lightning, strong wind gusts and funnel clouds possible, according to the National Weather Service. Some areas may see waterspouts and coastal flooding.
You also “can’t rule out a tornado,” reads the weather service’s hazardous weather outlook.
Strong storms were approaching the Southeast Miami-Dade metro region, which includes Homestead, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, the National Weather Service tweeted Monday afternoon.
“Damaging gusts may accompany these storms. An isolated tornado is also possible. These strong storms will continue developing and move towards Collier County,” the weather service said on Twitter.
Parts of Miami-Dade and Broward County were under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:30 p.m. including Miami, Fort Lauderale, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miami Beach, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Coral Gables, Homestead and Key Biscayne.
It’s also not a good time to go swimming at the beach or to take your boat out on the water, with a high risk of rip currents for all Atlantic beaches, forecasters said. There is a moderate risk of rip currents along the Gulf coast beaches.
A special marine warning was also issued along the east coast until 3:15 p.m. for steep waves, including in the waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef.
The warning does not include the territorial waters of the Bahamas and the coastal waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef and Biscayne Bay, according to the weather service.
Miami-Dade, Broward and the Upper Keys are also under a wind advisory until Tuesday at 2 a.m. with winds expected to be in the 30s and gusts in the 40s, forecasters said.
A gale warning has also been extended until 2 a.m. Tuesday for waters in Miami-Dade and Broward County, including Biscayne Bay, said Local 10 meteorologist Julie Durda.
This story was originally published August 24, 2020 at 9:01 AM.
