Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings for Florida

Late Monday afternoon (7 October, local time), tropical storm watches and warnings were issued for parts of Florida due to Hurricane Milton. Miami-Dade and Broward Counties were placed under a tropical storm watch, indicating the possibility of sustained storm conditions. In the Florida Keys, the existing tropical storm watch was upgraded to a warning, meaning that tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

As the storm approaches, wind conditions are expected to intensify, with South Florida experiencing sustained winds between 25-35 mph, and gusts up to 55 mph by Wednesday afternoon. The Florida Keys will likely see higher winds, with sustained speeds of 30-40 mph and gusts exceeding 60 mph. The National Weather Service indicates that these forecasts could change depending on the storm’s exact location and wind field size.

In addition to strong winds, there is a potential for brief, isolated tornadoes as Hurricane Milton moves closer to Florida. Rainfall is expected to be sporadic, totaling 1 to 3 inches in some areas. The combination of wind and rain could pose significant risks to the region, especially with the added threat of tornadoes.

A flood watch remains in effect for South Florida until Thursday morning (10 October, local time), warning residents of the potential for localized flooding. As the storm progresses, conditions may worsen, and authorities are urging people to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

References

• Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings Issued Ahead of Hurricane Milton in Florida