Weather
South Florida’s Hurricane Season Opens With Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Warning
Tropical moisture triggers powerful storms and wind gusts as drought-stricken counties prepare for more rain
The 2025 hurricane season arrived with a bang in South Florida, as thunderclouds unleashed heavy rain and strong winds starting Sunday afternoon. Tropical moisture trapped over the region has set the stage for several days of unsettled weather, signaling a stormy beginning to the season.
On Sunday, residents of Margate in Broward County experienced gusts reaching nearly 70 miles per hour, causing localized property damage, especially around the north side of Royal Palm near 63rd Avenue. The National Weather Service issued a marginal risk alert for severe weather, signaling the potential for isolated strong storms and wind gusts up to 60 mph across South Florida.
Forecasters expect these stormy conditions to persist into Monday and Tuesday, with some areas potentially receiving between 2 to 4 inches of rain and isolated pockets possibly seeing as much as 6 inches. While the rainfall is a welcome reprieve for parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties still suffering from moderate to extreme drought, the intensity of the storms poses flooding risks, especially in low-lying neighborhoods.
Though the Atlantic Ocean remains calm with no tropical cyclones expected over the next week, the combination of tropical moisture and atmospheric conditions is fueling clusters of thunderclouds moving eastward across the Florida peninsula. Residents should be alert for lightning strikes, gusty winds, and heavy downpours, particularly in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach, where rainfall totals could reach up to 3 inches.
Local authorities urge South Floridians to stay informed by following live weather updates on Local 10 News and visiting the Weather Authority’s radar page for real-time tracking. With the season just beginning, early preparation and vigilance will be crucial in navigating the unpredictable weather ahead.
As South Florida confronts this volatile start to hurricane season, it serves as a reminder that Mother Nature’s mood can change quickly—and preparedness remains the best defense.