Tropical Depression 28 over the western Caribbean, which eventually became Hurricane Zeta, helped to provide copious tropical moisture over South Florida. As an upper level trough traversed aloft, additional deep moisture overspread the South Florida ahead of an approaching frontal boundary.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS MFL wrote it up.
Tropical Depression 28 over the western Caribbean, which eventually became Hurricane Zeta, helped to provide copious tropical moisture over South Florida. As an upper level trough traversed aloft, additional deep moisture overspread the South Florida ahead of an approaching frontal boundary. This resulted in widespread rainfall over several days that lead to significant flooding across the east coast metro areas, which had already received several inches of rainfall from previous days.
The most impactful flooding occurred in Palm Beach County where several neighborhoods across the county experienced major street and field flooding, and several homes had water intrusion. The flooding lingered for several days in some of these areas.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Miami, FL wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Oct 23, 6:46 PM EST, 5 hours 14 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Miami FL
746 PM EDT Fri Oct 23 2020
.Aviation...
Mainly VFR conditions will prevail throughout the overnight hours
into the morning on Saturday. Easterly flow will continue
throughout the day across all terminals and increase to around 10
knots by the middle of the morning. Scattered to numerous showers
and isolated thunderstorms will develop as the day progresses.
There could be periods of MVFR or even IFR conditions in and
around showers and thunderstorms Saturday afternoon.
&&
.Update...
There are some leftover quick moving showers over South Florida
this evening. These showers will diminish over most of the area as
the rest of the evening progresses. The exception to this will be
over the Atlantic waters and the extreme southern portion of the
region as moisture will start to move into the area from the
South later during the overnight period. On Saturday, moisture
will continue to increase across the region from South to north.
Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop
especially during the afternoon hours as a tropical disturbance in
the Caribbean continues to slowly move northward. The greatest
chances of showers and thunderstorms will be over the southern and
eastern portions of the region. The stronger showers and storms
could contain heavy rainfall which could lead to the potential for
additional flooding in the area especially across the urban and
low lying areas. High temperatures on Saturday will generally
range from the mid 80s across the east coast to the upper 80s over
the interior and western sections.
&&
.Prev Discussion... /issued 356 PM EDT Fri Oct 23 2020/
..MORE HEAVY RAIN POSSIBLE THIS WEEKEND...
Short Term (Now through Saturday)...
High pressure centered over the Mid-Atlantic, Hurricane Epsilon in
the west central Atlantic northeast of Bermuda, and a broad area of
low pressure in the western Caribbean are the major synoptic
features near the region. A stream of convection from Grand Bahama
into southern Palm Beach County has lingered from early this morning
and created 2 to 6 inch rainfall amounts per radar estimates over
portions of the western south Palm Beach County metro area with the
potential to provide additional rounds of heavy rain to deeply
saturated areas. This will be an area to monitor through the short
term along with other saturated portions of the east coast metro
areas. The Flood Watch has been extended through the weekend and
will need to be monitored. This afternoon and evening's convective
focus, besides the aforementioned area on Palm Beach County, should
shift inland and west with some heavy rain from showers and
thunderstorms. Convection should generally diminish in the evening
into the overnight, except for the pesky coastal showers.
Heading into the weekend, the upper level jet remains over the
region while a mid-level trough traverses the northern and
northeastern Gulf. Ahead of the main trough, some shortwave troughs
and related areas of vorticity could help spur convective coverage
from south to north through Saturday. The two-plus-inch precipitable
water values point to an atmosphere capable of supporting efficient
rainfall processes with already saturated areas being an immediate
concern. The more widespread coverage and uncertainty with the
potential development of the feature the National Hurricane Center
is tracking in the Caribbean create some uncertainty to start the
weekend.
Long Term (Saturday Night through Friday)...
The long term period will start off very active as we watch to see
what Invest 95L does in the western Caribbean this weekend and
into early next week. Globals are all over the map with the
evolution, however, confidence is high for additional heavy
rain/hydro concerns (see hydro section below). Globals want to
pull the system northward and eventually west across the Gulf of
Mexico through the middle part of the week. At this juncture,
regardless of development into a weak system, the message is
clear...heavy rain through the start of the next workweek. Some
improvement is then expected on the back half of the long term
period as a Bermuda high noses into the region. That will not
completely erase POPs for the second half of the week, but may
help suppress the chances just a bit.
Finally, the globals show a fairly strong cold front moving into
the region by next weekend. Timing and strength are always a
question within this range, but something to watch going into
Halloween time. Temperatures through the next week will likely be
held down by rain and cloud cover, however, will rebound as
sunshine gradually makes a comeback later on in the period.
Marine...
Moisture remains in place which will allow for scattered to numerous
showers and thunderstorms to continue over the local waters through
the weekend. Mariners should monitor the forecast through the
weekend as there is some uncertainty with the potential development
of a broad area of low pressure over the western Caribbean which
could eventually move into the Gulf of Mexico or near Florida.
Aviation (18z TAFs)...
Generally VFR though some showers and storms are possible this
afternoon and evening. Greater convective coverage returns late
in the forecast period on Saturday. Generally easterly flow will
continue through the period. Sub-VFR possible around convection
with short-fused amendments necessary for IFR/LIFR impacts.
Beach Forecast...
Swell from Hurricane Epsilon will combine with long-lived easterly
wind flow to keep an elevated rip current risk through the weekend
along the Atlantic beaches of South Florida. Cannot rule out
building surf either. As we move on from the new moon and approach
the first quarter moon, the astronomically high tides should begin
to diminish closer to predicted values. Depending on the progress of
the broad area of low pressure over the western Caribbean, there
could be impacts to local beaches if this system were to develop and
create higher surf and allow an elevated risk of rip currents to
develop along the Gulf beaches or persist along the Atlantic
beaches.
Hydrology...
All eyes this weekend will be pointed southward at a tropical
disturbance across the western Caribbean. Model guidance is all
over the place with the eventual evolution of this feature,
however, regardless of the movement and intensity, heavy rainfall
will be possible across South Florida. Models vary in terms of how
much rainfall through the start of the next workweek. On average
3-4 inches across the already saturated Atlantic metro will be
possible. Therefore, the Flood Watch will continue through the
weekend for these areas. Locally higher amounts will be possible
depending on exact placement of the surface feature. Expansion of
the watch cannot be ruled out if rainfall forecasts become heavier
and more expansive across the Everglades and possibly to the Gulf
coast.
&&
.Preliminary Point Temps/PoPs...
West Palm Beach 75 85 74 85 / 20 50 60 70
Fort Lauderdale 77 84 76 86 / 30 70 70 70
Miami 77 86 76 86 / 30 70 70 70
Naples 73 87 73 87 / 20 50 30 60
&&
.MFL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
FL...Flood Watch through Sunday evening for FLZ068-072>074-168-
172>174.
High Rip Current Risk through Sunday evening for FLZ168-172-173.
AM...None.
GM...None.
&&
Update...55/CWC
Aviation...55/CWCHazardous Weather Outlook for South Florida National Weather Service Miami FL 417 PM EDT Fri Oct 23 2020 AMZ610-630-650-651-670-671-FLZ063-066>075-168-172>174-GMZ656-657-676- 240830- Lake Okeechobee-Biscayne Bay- Coastal waters from Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach FL out 20 NM- Coastal waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef FL out 20 NM- Waters from Jupiter Inlet to Deerfield Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM- Waters from Deerfield Beach to Ocean Reef FL from 20 to 60 NM excluding the territorial waters of Bahamas-Glades-Hendry- Inland Palm Beach-Metro Palm Beach-Coastal Collier-Inland Collier- Inland Broward-Metro Broward-Inland Miami-Dade-Metro Miami-Dade- Mainland Monroe-Coastal Palm Beach-Coastal Broward-Coastal Miami- Dade-Far South Miami-Dade- Coastal waters from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach FL out 20 NM- Coastal waters from East Cape Sable to Chokoloskee FL out 20 NM- Waters from Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach FL from 20 to 60 NM- 417 PM EDT Fri Oct 23 2020 ...High Risk of Rip Currents for the Atlantic Coast Beaches... ...Flooding Possible in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties... This hazardous weather outlook is for South Florida. .DAY ONE...TONIGHT Rip Currents: There is a high risk of Rip Currents along the Atlantic beaches. Flooding: The stronger showers and thunderstorms could contain periods of heavy rainfall which may lead to localized flooding, especially along east coast metro and coastal areas. A Flood Watch remains in effect. Thunderstorms: A few thunderstorms are possible this evening. The primary hazards are lightning, gusty winds, and urban flooding. Wind: Gusty winds in excess of 20 to 25 knots are possible across the South Florida waters with showers and thunderstorms. Waterspouts: There is a slight chance of waterspouts over the South Florida waters, mainly associated with thunderstorms and gusty showers. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY A trough of low pressure in the western Caribbean is being monitored by the National Hurricane Center for potential tropical development over the next several days. This feature could provide for an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms this weekend. Flooding is the primary concern. The high risk of rip currents will continue over the Atlantic beaches through the weekend. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Widespread spotter activation is not anticipated. However, individual spotters especially east coast metro areas are encouraged to report high wind, waterspouts, and flooding to the National Weather Service forecast office in Miami. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. For more information...visit the National Weather Service in Miami website at www.weather.gov/miami.
The Miami radar (KAMX), 65 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 04:55 UTC.
16 flood, 2 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
The public reported flooded parks, grassy areas, and sidewalks continue in the Holiday Park area in Fort Lauderdale, FL from heavy rainfall over the weekend. Rain gauges in the area reported 4 to 6 inches over the weekend.
The public reported that flooded roadways continue in the Delray Beach area, including Lake Blvd and Military Trail vicinity due to heavy rainfall over the weekend. Portions of the street are impassable due to standing water up to curbs.
A member of the broadcast media reported flooding via social media at the intersection of 6th Ave South and Congress Ave in Lake Worth. Two right lanes are seen flooded with water rising over the curb and is about 2 inches deep on the sidewalk. Cars are moving very slowly through the roadway.
Report from MPING of water overflowing resulting in property flooding.
Heavy rainfall in the Boynton Beach area led to significant street flooding in the Seacrest and Chapel Hill neighborhoods. 8-10 inches of rain fell in the area over the previous several days, with 4-5 inches on the evening of October 24th and early morning of October 25th. Water was approximately 2 feet deep on some roadways, and a few lift stations were submerged.
City of Lake Worth Beach reported 3 homes with visible water marks on garage doors, however no major structural impacts were noted.
Standing water from heavy rainfall on October 24th and 25th lingered in the Fairfield Drive area of Mangonia Park for several days. Main impacts were impassable streets, and one business along Fairfield Drive was affected, although no water intrusion into structures was reported.
Standing water from days of heavy rainfall affected fields and farms in unincorporated westernmost areas of Boynton Beach west of State Road 7 and bordering on the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Horses were up to their knees in standing water for a few days and required removal from the affected properties.
Trained storm spotter reported street flooding between the intersections of Commerical Drive and A1A and Commerical Drive and Bayview Drive. Flooding could be seen extended half-way up driveways on both sides of the street. The area received 1.09 inches of rainfall in less than 30 minutes.
Fire rescue reported flooding of roadways in Sunrise and Lauderhill between University Drive and Pine island road between NW 44th street and Commercial blvd.
Significant flooding occurred in the Sea Pines neighborhood of Lantana resulting from a combination of heavy rainfall of the previous days plus 4-5 inches of rain on the night and early morning of October 24th and 25th. Numerous calls were received from residents stranded in their homes, some who had water in their homes up to their knees. Streets were impassable across the entire neighborhood. Flood waters lingered for several days in the area (this is detailed in a separate storm entry under Flood).
Significant flooding occurred in the Lake Boynton Estates area of Boynton Beach, resulting from a combination of heavy rainfall of the previous days plus 4-5 inches of rain on the night and early morning of October 24th and 25th. Two to three homes had water intrusion, and water was about 2 feet deep on streets. Four families in the area requested to be evacuated. Flood waters lingered for over 24 hours (this is detailed in a separate storm entry under Flood).
A member of the public reported flooding of roadways from heavy rainfall in Boynton Beach along Indian Wells Blvd.
Emergency managers and town officials reported that significant flooding persisted in the Sea Pines neighborhood in Lantana from heavy rain late on October 24th and early on October 25th (see Flash Flood entry in this episode for more information on the causative event). Streets continued to be impassable for most of this time frame, and many residents were stranded. Local assessments indicated that high-water marks were observed just underneath window sills in a few homes, with a number of homes having water intrusion. Over 1 million gallons of water were pumped out of the neighborhood.
Flooding lingered in the Lake Boynton Estates neighborhood for over 24 hours following the heavy rainfall of October 24th and 25th (see Flash Flood entry in this episode for more information on the causative event). Streets were impassable in the area, along with 2-3 homes with water intrusion which required evacuations.
Trained storm spotter reported water covering the roadway at Bayview Drive at US 1 in Fort Lauderdale making it nearly impassable. Water was reported about halfway up the tires of cars.
From airport authority: due to heavy rainfall, the entrance to arrivals/departures from perimeter road (near the cell phone waiting area) is temporarily closed as a result of flooding. Motorists are advised to use alternate entrance routes into the airport from US-1 or Interstate 595.
Off-Duty NWS employees reported an apartment complex parking lot flooded with water half way up the tires with some cars stalled in parking lot. Along with a picture of flooded street near 3860 West Broward Blvd between 2nd Court and SW 38th Terrace.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, October 2020
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 921862, 921867, 921666, 921669, 924283, 924284, 924286, 924288, 921676, 921683, 924270, 924277, 921687, 921861, 924279, 921691, 921692, 921693.