Key Biscayne and much of the Florida coast is under a Tropical Storm Watch, and officials say serious flooding is likely from a very soggy weather system currently off the Yucatan peninsula, expected to arrive tomorrow.
Forecasters say as much as 12 inches of rain could fall over the Friday-Saturday period.
Village of Key Biscayne officials announced sandbags will be distributed Friday, and crews also worked to clear storm drains in anticipation of the deluge. It is forecast to become Tropical Storm Alex later today or tomorrow.
“We very much expect a significant amount of flooding,” said Village Fire Chief Eric Lang. He said local officials had not canceled leaves, but said there will be enhanced fire and police staffing. The flooding will be worst at high tide.
Meteorologist Brian McNoldy at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel school said the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which started Wednesday, already seems to be living up to predictions of being more active than normal.
“We’ve already had six above-average years in a row. Before, we never had more than three in a row, and this one is looking like it will be number seven.”
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Tony Winton is the editor-in-chief of the Key Biscayne Independent and president of Miami Fourth Estate, Inc. He worked previously at The Associated Press for three decades winning multiple Edward R. Murrow awards. He was president of the News Media Guild, a journalism union, for 10 years. Born in Chicago, he is a graduate of Columbia University. His interests are photography and technology, sailing, cooking, and science fiction.