A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect Monday evening for parts of mainland Monroe County, putting remote sections of Everglades National Park and nearby Big Cypress National Preserve on alert through 6:30 p.m. EDT. Forecasters say a line of storms marching across the lower Everglades is packing the kind of punch that can deliver damaging straight-line winds and hail.
Radar indicated the storm could fire off wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail roughly the size of a U.S. quarter, with Flamingo and portions of Big Cypress specifically called out as at risk. According to NWS Miami, the warning is in effect through 6:30 p.m. EDT.
Where The Warning Applies
The warning polygon covers mostly undeveloped park and preserve lands, including the Flamingo area of the Everglades and stretches of Big Cypress where strong storm cores can flip conditions from calm to dangerous in a hurry. The National Park Service maintains visitor information for Flamingo and surrounding backcountry and notes that weather can turn quickly in this part of South Florida. For details on access and facilities, see Everglades National Park.
Impacts And Exposure
The official bulletin listed no population centers, schools or hospitals inside the immediate warning polygon, which speaks to how remote this slice of Monroe County really is. Even so, radar-indicated winds of 60 mph and quarter-size hail can still bring down trees and damage vehicles or structures near roadways and trailheads.
The warning text posted by NWS Miami urges anyone in or near the warned areas to get indoors and avoid travel until the storms pass.
How To Stay Safe
If you are in the lower Everglades or headed toward the Keys this evening, move to a sturdy building, stay away from windows and hold off on driving through heavy rain or any flooded roadway, no matter how shallow it looks. For official guidance on severe thunderstorm and lightning safety, see the NWS.
Keep an ear on official channels for updates. NOAA Weather Radio and local emergency managers will carry the latest alerts if the situation changes. This report will be updated if the warning is extended or if any impacts are reported from the backcountry or the Keys.
