Miami, FL – Drivers across South Florida could face flooded streets and sudden severe thunderstorms within the next several hours as a surge of heavy rain and strong storms spreads from the Gulf coast toward the Atlantic metro corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Miami, scattered storms will rapidly increase by late morning Sunday, first developing across interior and southwest Florida before pushing toward the east coast metro areas including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach through the afternoon and evening.
Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are likely region-wide, with localized areas potentially reaching 2 to 3 inches. In isolated cases, downpours could produce 3 to 5 inches of rain, raising the risk for urban and flash flooding on low-lying roads and poorly drained streets.
Some storms may also turn severe. Forecasters say gusty winds of 40 to 50 mph are possible, with a small chance that a few storms produce wind gusts exceeding 60 mph or hail larger than one inch in diameter. Frequent lightning and brief torrential rainfall could quickly reduce visibility on major routes including I-75, I-95, and Alligator Alley.
The first storms are expected to form over interior Southwest Florida near Naples, Immokalee, and Clewiston, then track east toward the Atlantic coast during the afternoon commute.
Storm activity may gradually decrease late Sunday night, but additional weather advisories could be issued as heavy rain bands continue moving across the region. Residents should monitor alerts, avoid flooded roads, and remember the safety warning: Turn around, don’t drown.
