MIAMI – Communities along the far southern coast and into the Florida Keys should prepare for heavy rainfall on Saturday due to a pesky storm system in the Gulf of Mexico.
This could cause localized flooding, as the storm system previously brought record rains and severe weather to South Florida on Friday.
Friday’s storms wreaked havoc with several events in the region right amid the peak Spring Break season.
Some communities received 3-5 inches or more of rainfall.
Miami received 2.34 inches Friday which was a daily record, and a Tornado Warning was issued south of the city Friday night when Doppler radar indicated rotation in a passing thunderstorm.
Due to the stormy weather, the annual Ultra Music Festival in Miami was temporarily closed on Friday night.
The organizers announced that the event was shutting down because of lightning and strong winds.
Several videos posted to social media from those in attendance showed poncho-clad concertgoers traipsing through ankle-deep water and torrential rain as they were told to leave the event.
In another video shared on X, people can be seen enjoying the music despite the heavy rain pouring down on them.
The festival is set to continue as planned on Saturday amid another round of storms – some possibly severe again across South Florida.
Rain was also the main player at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday. Play was suspended for the day after only eight matches were completed.
The order of play for Saturday will be adjusted due to prior suspended and canceled matches.
More scattered showers and thunderstorms – some possibly severe again – are possible across South Florida on Saturday. Cities such as Miami, Key West and Naples could see isolated areas of 1-2 inches in heavier storms, and a Flood Watch remains in effect through Saturday evening.
Stormy weather patterns in the Sunshine State during the winter and early spring are common during El Niño events, which continues over the Central and Eastern Pacific.
According to the latest drought monitor, none of the state’s 67 counties are experiencing drought conditions.