Severe storms delay over 100 flights at Miami International. Heavy rains, winds incoming
A summer-like storm is pounding South Florida with possible tornadoes, a flood watch, and high wind and surf advisories issued by the National Weather Service in Miami. This December Saturday is not the norm.
Forecasters said a low-pressure system is approaching Florida Saturday that will cause a host of possibly dangerous weather conditions — heavy rains, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.
While the worst of the system was set to take place overnight into Sunday, residents and travelers already felt the effects Saturday evening.
The soggy, windy weather caused dozens of delays at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The severe weather forecast, which began Thursday and will yield clear and sunny skies by Monday, has already led to the unprecedented cancellation of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale scheduled for Saturday evening. According to the city, this was the first time in the event’s 52-year history it had to be grounded by the weather.
READ MORE: Wind punches South Florida; boat parade is canceled
What else can happen?
Weekend of hazardous weather
Forecasters are predicting about 3 to 6 inches of rain may fall throughout eastern South Florida through early Sunday morning, with some areas seeing even more inches.
These heavy rains may lead to flooding in low-lying, poor-drainage areas. A flood watch is already in effect from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade counties through Sunday morning.
Locally, a flood advisory is in place for south Broward and north Miami-Dade until 9:15 p.m.
Minor flooding is happening or is imminent in cities including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens, Aventura and North Miami Beach. Up to an inch of rain has already fallen in those areas.
Rain isn’t the only thing to be wary of this weekend. Forecasters predict a few severe storms late Saturday with damaging wind gusts and possible tornadoes.
Wind gusts could reach up to 40 to 50 mph.
The airport situation
Airports, including Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, saw delays as weather conditions declined in the late afternoon, evening and overnight hours.
On Saturday morning, Miami International Airport had 17 delays, but by night, delays had ballooned to over 150.
“Our peak travel period commences on Dec. 21, yet our terminals are already bustling with passengers,” said Indira Almeida-Pardillo, Miami-Dade Aviation Department spokeswoman. “We have amplified our security measures and operational staff to provide necessary assistance and timely information to all passengers.”
A similar situation unfolded at FLL. On Saturday evening there were no alerts, so far, about any significant weather impacts, said FLL spokeswoman Arlene Satchell. But that can change.
“Anyone traveling today should clearly check flight status with their airline before coming to the airport to avoid any prolonged waits if their flight is impacted,” Satchell said.
Basic airport weather tips
Winter weather usually means snow storms sending airport schedules into disarray nationwide. But Saturday’s potential heavy rain storms can mess with air travel, too, just like they would at any time of the year in South Florida.
Remember April’s record rains that shut down Fort Lauderdale, including its major airport, in April?
Here’s what to consider when weather and travel conflict. MIA’s Almeida-Pardillo and FLL’s Satchell shared the following tips:
▪ Check your flight status. Before you leave for the airport, check your flight status online or call your airline to make sure your flight is still scheduled.
▪ Check FlightAware.com for an idea of delays and cancellations.
▪ Check local airport websites. You can also view the flights tab at Fll.net for info on Fort Lauderdale’s airport. To check on the status of Miami International Airport directly visit miami-airport.com. For Key West International Airport log on at eyw.com.
▪ Keep tabs on the Federal Aviation Administration at FAA.gov for any air traffic management initiatives impacting your airport. There are search fields on the main page where you can type in your airport’s code, such as MIA or FLL.
▪ Arrive early. Bad weather can cause longer lines and delays at security checkpoints. Arrive at least two to three hours before your flight to ensure you have plenty of time to check in and go through security.
▪ Pack essentials in carry-on. With the possibility of flight delays or cancellations, pack essential items in your carry-on bag. This includes medications, important documents, change of clothes, toiletries, and any valuables.
▪ Monitor weather forecasts for both your departure and arrival cities. You can keep an eye on local media and also check the National Weather Service website at weather.gov and input a location for forecasts and any listed alerts or hazards. The airport also has informational screens and announcements about flight changes.
▪ Contact customer service. “If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your airline’s customer service immediately. They can help you understand your options and possibly rebook your flight,” Almeida-Pardillo said.
Rain locally and snow elsewhere
Miami International Airport’s media and public relations officer noted how local rains in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas any time of year and snowstorms elsewhere during the winter months can affect air travel.
“Bad weather locally and a winter snowstorm elsewhere both impact MIA, but the effects can be different based on the location and severity of the weather events,” Almeida-Pardillo said.
▪ Local bad weather: “The direct impacts of local bad weather, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tropical storms, can be significant and immediate. These conditions can lead to flight delays or cancellations, and difficulties in ground operations. The severity of these impacts would depend on the intensity of the weather event,” she said.
▪ Winter snowstorm elsewhere: “A winter snowstorm in a different location can also affect MIA, particularly if the storm is impacting a major hub or a common destination or origin for flights to/from Miami,” Almeida-Pardillo said. “If the snowstorm leads to significant delays or cancellations at another airport, this can have a ripple effect, causing delays or cancellations at our airport.”
In both cases, she said, “airlines and airport authorities would likely be proactive in communicating with passengers about potential disruptions, offering rebooking options, and taking steps to ensure passenger safety and comfort.”
