Up to 6 inches of rain, if not more, could drench parts of South Florida as the region faces soggy, windy weather that’ll last through this weekend, forecasters said Thursday.
The National Weather Service says the best-case scenario for cumulative rainfall from Thursday through Saturday is 2 to 3 inches throughout metro South Florida, and a worst-case scenario could bring 4 to 6 inches throughout most of the region — with a pocket of 6 to 8 inches from Fort Lauderdale south into northern Miami-Dade County.
The most severe weather over the next few days will hit Saturday, said National Weather Service meteorologist Jennifer Simmons. “Saturday is when the low from the Gulf moving across the peninsula … will create the best chance of excessive rainfall and localized flooding. And really strong winds will still be ongoing,” she said.
Though there could be more rain on Sunday on top of Saturday’s totals, forecasters said it looks like most of the rain on Sunday should occur offshore, and be less likely to add to the rain totals.
The weather service issued a flood watch until 7 p.m. Thursday and a wind advisory until 7 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters are warning of east winds of 25 mph to 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph throughout South Florida. Such winds could down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
“Protect and secure Christmas decorations ahead of time from gusty wind and plenty of rain,” wrote WINK News meteorologist Matt Dewitt on X.
The weather service said Thursday that there is an “extreme risk” of high surf along the beaches of Broward and Palm Beach counties, and there is a high surf advisory until 7 a.m. Sunday for all east coast beaches.
All of the watches could be extended, depending on conditions. Gale-force winds will result in seas in excess of 8 feet.
The South Florida Water Management District has lowered canal levels throughout Broward County so as to increase capacity to hold water in anticipation of heavy rainfall, and reduce the need to release water east toward Fort Lauderdale.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on X that thunderstorms in South Florida could affect airport travel in the region as well.
Relatively high morning tides this week will raise flood risks coastally, as incoming tides meet water running off of inland areas. The persistent northeast winds could also contribute to some coastal flooding, forecasters said.
Forecasters said the region will start to dry out at the beginning of next week, with a temperature drop Monday night, with lows in the mid-50s by Tuesday morning, rising to the low 70s during the day.
Even though this Saturday’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is still planned “rain or shine,” some event organizers are gauging whether their events will go on. The weather led Margate’s Winter Festival, with kiddie rides and performances, to be rescheduled to Tuesday.
In Deerfield Beach, the Merry Little Holiday Fest scheduled for Friday at Sullivan Park has been canceled due to the ongoing stormy weather, according to a city spokesman. Also, an upcoming “Operation Santa” parade was rescheduled to Dec. 23.
