Introduction to the Storms
Thunderstorms spread throughout South Florida from Friday afternoon into the evening, forcing closures of North Perry Airport and at least one Broward County road until Saturday morning. All of South Florida was at marginal risk for isolated to severe storms on Friday, though National Weather Service Miami forecasters said some impacts could continue into the early morning hours.
Damage and Aftermath
Strong winds uprooted trees and knocked down power lines on Friday evening. The most severe damage reported was from more than 50 mph winds lifting a Cessna off the ground and onto a fuel truck at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines.
The area around North Perry Airport saw a severe storm about 6 p.m., and “several aircraft were severely damaged,” airport spokesperson Arlene Satchell said in an email to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Airport Closure
The airport will be closed until at least 7 a.m. Saturday for the Broward County Aviation Department to continue assessing damage, she said. Satchell did not know how many airplanes were damaged. Reports that the damage in Pembroke Pines was from a tornado are false, NWS Miami meteorologist Sammy Hadi told the Sun Sentinel.
Road Closures and Safety Precautions
Sunshine Boulevard in Miramar will be closed in both directions, starting at the 2600 block, until at at least midnight due to downed power lines and damage from the storms, said Janice McIntosh, a spokesperson for Miramar Police. Several electrical lines and trees were knocked down in the area of Palm Avenue and Northwest 72nd Avenue in Pembroke Pines, the police department said in a post on X urging people to drive with caution.
Weather Forecast
Various sizes of hail were reported in Palm Beach County and Broward County throughout Friday, from quarter size to 1.5 inches, about the size of a ping-pong ball, in areas of Lake Worth Beach and half-dollar size hail in Pembroke Pines, according to NWS Miami preliminary local storm reports. Storms were continuing to move through western parts of Lake Okeechobee as of about 8:30 p.m. Friday, bringing the potential for large hail in Lakeport in Glades County and in areas to the northeast, the NWS Miami said.
Future Weather Conditions
Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible on Saturday afternoon and early evening due to moisture lingering, the NWS Miami’s forecast says. It might be slightly cooler in the afternoon as a result, though temperatures are still expected to reach the upper 80s to lows 90s. Showers and thunderstorms are also possible after 8 a.m. Sunday. Memorial Day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high of 88, and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the thunderstorms that hit South Florida caused significant damage and disruption, particularly at North Perry Airport and in surrounding areas. The airport’s closure and road closures in Broward County are a testament to the severity of the storms. As the region looks to the future, residents can expect scattered showers and thunderstorms to continue, with a chance of large hail and strong winds.
FAQs
Q: What was the cause of the damage at North Perry Airport?
A: The damage was caused by strong winds from a thunderstorm, which lifted a Cessna off the ground and onto a fuel truck.
Q: Will North Perry Airport be closed indefinitely?
A: The airport will be closed until at least 7 a.m. Saturday for damage assessment.
Q: Are there any road closures in Broward County?
A: Yes, Sunshine Boulevard in Miramar will be closed in both directions until at least midnight due to downed power lines and damage from the storms.
Q: What is the weather forecast for the next few days?
A: Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are possible on Saturday afternoon and early evening, with a chance of large hail and strong winds. Memorial Day is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high of 88, and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
