South Florida could face serious flooding from Sunday through Tuesday. Heavy rain and strong winds will coincide with the highest tides of the year, known as king tides. Warnings cover Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and the Keys.
The National Weather Service in Miami issued a flood warning for the Atlantic coast and a Coastal Flood Watch for Monday and Tuesday because of possible serious flooding. Conditions are expected to be worst on Monday and Tuesday, when strong winds off the ocean coincide with peak tides. Water will be highest at high tide, around 5–8 a.m. and 5–8 p.m. On the east coast, the tides peak Tuesday, Oct. 27, and in the Keys on Oct. 28 and 30.
Rainfall forecasts vary. In a milder scenario, 1–2 inches of rain will fall; in the worst case, 5–7 inches within 48 hours, and locally even more. Winds are expected to blow steadily at 25–30 mph, with gusts above 40 mph, pushing water from the ocean onto land. The ground is already saturated from downpours a week ago.
Areas east of I-95 are most at risk, including Miami Beach, Brickell, Downtown Miami, Hialeah, Doral, Kendall and Coral Gables. Some streets may be closed Monday morning. The risk of rip currents is high on beaches, and waves in Palm Beach are expected to reach 5–7 feet.
How to prepare: Park your car on higher ground before the high tide arrives. Do not drive into flooded streets, even if the water seems shallow, and do not drive around barricades. If your car has come into contact with salt water, rinse it with fresh water and have it inspected. This is not a tropical storm. No tropical system is currently developing in the Atlantic.
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Source: Słoneczne Radio
