Gusty winds are hitting South Florida, and the strongest of the pattern is expected to last into Tuesday. WSVN meteorologists said winds on Monday were often above 30 mph, with gusts occasionally topping 40 mph. A peak of 45 mph was recorded in Fort Lauderdale.
The National Weather Service Wind Advisory covers most of Miami-Dade and Broward counties and runs until Tuesday evening. The winds are being driven by a strong high-pressure system to the north and low pressure to the south, which creates a steep pressure gradient.
The same flow is pulling moisture into the region. Forecasters said the main rain bands should stay offshore, but fast-moving downpours could still brush the coast at times. Some showers could train over the same spots, which would raise the risk of local flooding.
The wind surge is coinciding with the year’s highest king tides, which is raising coastal flooding concerns around high tide. Biscayne Bay in North Bay Village was shown battered by waves.
Conditions should settle slowly later in the week. Another, weaker high-pressure system is expected to bring generic showers and lighter winds. Forecasters said Halloween on Saturday should be warm and somewhat humid.
