Southeast Florida faces a compounding weather hazard this weekend as persistent northeast winds, high king tides, and training downpours converge on the Treasure Coast and Palm Beach County. WPEC reported that the blustery, wet stretch brings a heightened threat of coastal flooding and localized excessive rainfall through midweek.
Coastal Areas Face Heavy Rain and Wind Gusts
Scattered showers moving inland from the Atlantic are bringing the highest rain chances to coastal areas and the Treasure Coast. Repeated downpours could produce 2 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible where training downpours repeatedly pass over the same locations. The National Weather Service placed parts of Martin and Palm Beach counties under a slight risk for excessive rainfall, while the broader coast remains under a marginal risk.
Northeast winds are sustained at 15 to 25 mph, with occasional gusts reaching 30 to 35 mph. A Wind Advisory remains in effect for the Treasure Coast through 8 p.m. Sunday. While thunderstorm confidence is low, any isolated storm could bring lightning, heavy rain, and gusts up to 45 mph. Rain chances will become more isolated by Sunday evening but will persist through the day.
King Tides and Strong Winds Trigger Coastal Flooding
High water combining with strong onshore winds and large waves is amplifying coastal flooding concerns. King tides are pushing water toward coastal roads and low-lying areas, with high tides in West Palm Beach listed for 8:18 a.m. and 8:23 p.m. Sunday, followed by 9:01 a.m. and 9:06 p.m. Monday.
A Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect for the Treasure Coast through 2 AM Wednesday. Wednesday. Coastal Palm Beach County is under a Coastal Flood Advisory through 2 a.m. Monday, transitioning to a Coastal Flood Watch through Tuesday morning as more significant flooding remains possible. Beachgoers face severe hazards, including a High Surf Advisory and a High Risk of Rip Currents. Breaking waves of 12 to 13 feet are possible along parts of the coast, prompting warnings for residents to stay out of the water and avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
Marine conditions are similarly hazardous. Gale Warnings and Watches are in effect for portions of the Atlantic offshore waters, creating dangerous situations for boaters.
Coastal Showers and Wind Persist Through Halloween
Showers will remain possible through Monday and Tuesday, primarily along the coast, accompanied by continued blustery northeast winds with gusts up to 35 mph. Coastal flooding, high surf, and dangerous rip currents are expected to persist into midweek before rain coverage eases somewhat by Wednesday.
Looking toward Halloween on Saturday, the early forecast points to continued northeast breezes and a chance for a passing coastal shower, though widespread rain is not currently indicated. Temperatures are expected to remain seasonable, with forecast details subject to adjustment as the weekend progresses.
