Miami, FL – Tropical Depression Four continues its west-northwest movement across Cuba, prompting warnings and advisories for South Florida. As of Saturday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Miami has issued Tropical Storm Warnings for coastal Collier and mainland Monroe counties. The primary concerns for South Florida include heavy rainfall, with predicted totals ranging from 2 to 5 inches, particularly in areas marked in orange on the flooding threat map. In some localized regions, rainfall could reach up to 8 inches.
According to the NWS, this weather system also poses a significant risk of tropical storm-force winds, with gusts potentially reaching between 39 and 73 mph, especially along the southwestern coastline. In addition, the area is under threat of coastal flooding due to a predicted storm surge, particularly in low-lying areas, with water levels possibly rising up to 3 feet above ground level.
Furthermore, South Florida residents should be on alert for the possibility of tornadoes, primarily in the southwestern parts of the state, where conditions may favor their development. The NWS emphasizes the importance of monitoring weather updates and heeding local advisories as the system progresses.
With these threats in place, South Floridians are urged to prepare for the possibility of power outages, localized flooding, and hazardous travel conditions throughout the weekend. Authorities recommend securing outdoor items, staying indoors during severe weather, and having an emergency plan in place.
