A frontal boundary situated over Central Florida brought a warm and moist airmass over South Florida, which combined with ample lift from mid-level troughing to develop scattered showers and thunderstorms over the area during the afternoon and evening.
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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.
A frontal boundary situated over Central Florida brought a warm and moist airmass over South Florida, which combined with ample lift from mid-level troughing to develop scattered showers and thunderstorms over the area during the afternoon and evening.
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 May 16, 11:49 AM EST, 56 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Miami FL 1249 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024 ...New SHORT TERM, AVIATION, MARINE, BEACHES... .SHORT TERM... (Rest of today through Friday) Issued at 1242 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024 The frontal boundary has stalled over Central Florida and is expected to sit there before the mid-level trough departs out of the area by tomorrow. The stationary front will allow tropical moisture to pool over the region and keep dew points in the 70s. Combining this with low level flow out of the SW will keep hot and muggy conditions across all of South Florida and keep the environment unstable. The latest 12Z sounding and aircraft soundings show anywhere between ~3000-4000 J/kg of CAPE with PWATs just under 2 inches. With this profile, there will be potential for a few severe thunderstorms again today for the east coast counties. The soundings mainly show a large hail growth zone, which could produce hail of 1 inch or larger in some storms as well as severe wind gusts due to a potential core collapsing. Even with some melting of hail below the freezing level, it still possible for 1 inch hail with the aforementioned sounding parameters. There currently is a marginal risk for severe storms for all of Palm Beach and Broward counties (including the lake) plus the northern half of Miami-Dade. However, the highest threat for severe storms is expected for eastern Palm Beach and Broward counties. This is a result of multiple factors which include the strongest vorticity advection in the region occurring there, proximity to the stationary front, and SW flow in the low levels steering convection to those areas. Storms will be monitored as they develop throughout the day. Skies will clear out tonight under nocturnal cooling and as broad ridging builds over the region. With winds becoming extremely light and variable and lingering moisture keeping dew points in the mid 70s overnight, some patchy fog will be possible for inland areas and extending to the west coast. For the day on Friday, the ridge will help stabilize the local atmosphere and keep conditions drier, but there will remain slight chances for a few showers and isolated storms as sea and gulf breezes develop in the afternoon. Further convection could occur from outflow boundaries and collisions between outflows and the sea/gulf breezes. Temperatures for today will peak in the low to mid 90s and then increase into the mid to upper 90s for most locations on Friday. Heat indices have the potential to rise into advisory criteria for several counties on Friday, and if trends continue then a Heat Advisory will be issued when deemed necessary. && .LONG TERM... (Friday night through Wednesday) Issued at 220 AM EDT Thu May 16 2024 The main story through the weekend will be the potential for hazardous heat as a hot and humid airmass remains over the area with south- southwest low-level flow and troughing off to the north. Most of South Florida could experience heat necessitating at least a Heat Advisory on Saturday, and possibly Sunday as well. High temperatures are expected to be in the 90s area-wide each afternoon. Lower to mid 90s will be more likely for coastal areas with portions of interior South Florida potentially approaching the upper 90s or low 100s. Overnight low temperatures along the east coast metro could struggle to fall below 80 degrees and even portions of the Naples metro may not fall below the upper 70s. With the moist airmass in place, there will also be a threat for isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms, primarily over the northern half of the area. By late in the weekend into early next week, the mid-level troughing over the Southeast US will begin to dip further south and stall out in the area, finally sending a front through South Florida. Ahead of and along the front, there will be chances for showers and thunderstorms, with some strong storms possible. After the front clears the area, a slightly cooler airmass will settle in through mid-week and provide relief from the recent stretch of heat, with high temperatures generally in the upper 80s to low 90s across the area, and low temperatures in the 70s. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1242 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024 Mainly VFR for the next 24 hours, but another round of showers and storms in the area could create impacts this afternoon into the evening. This threat appears to mainly be for KPBI but also for KFLL/KFXE. The rest of the terminals have lower threats for direct impacts by showers and storms, but it is not entirely ruled out at least on a brief basis. Overall, MVFR or lower CIGs or visibilities will be possible in storms today. TEMPOs are in place for KPBI, KFLL and KFXE with these being of higher concern. && .MARINE... Issued at 1242 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024 Mainly benign conditions over the next few days with light to moderate west-southwest flow gradually turning southerly by this weekend. There will be some scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly over the Atlantic waters today and tomorrow, which could create locally chaotic seas at times and gusty winds. && .BEACHES... Issued at 1242 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024 There will be a moderate risk for rip currents along the Gulf coast today with onshore flow. Along the Atlantic, rip current risks will be low over the next several days with generally light, offshore flow.&& .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Miami 77 93 80 93 / 10 20 0 20 West Kendall 74 95 77 96 / 10 20 0 20 Opa-Locka 77 95 80 96 / 10 20 0 20 Homestead 76 93 80 93 / 10 20 0 20 Fort Lauderdale 77 92 80 92 / 10 30 0 20 N Ft Lauderdale 77 93 80 93 / 10 30 0 20 Pembroke Pines 78 96 80 96 / 10 30 0 20 West Palm Beach 74 93 77 93 / 30 30 0 30 Boca Raton 76 94 78 93 / 20 30 0 30 Naples 78 92 79 93 / 10 10 0 10 && .MFL WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... FL...None. AM...None. GM...None. && SHORT TERM...Redman LONG TERM....Culver AVIATION...Redman
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Miami FL 944 AM EDT Thu May 16 2024 AMZ610-630-650-651-670-671-FLZ063-066>075-168-172>174-GMZ656-657-676- 171345- 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 County-Metro Palm Beach County- Coastal Collier County-Inland Collier County-Inland Broward County- Metro Broward County-Inland Miami-Dade County- Metropolitan Miami Dade-Mainland Monroe-Coastal Palm Beach County- Coastal Broward County-Coastal Miami Dade County-Far South Miami- Dade County- 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- 944 AM EDT Thu May 16 2024 ...Hot Conditions Continue Through the Weekend... ...Isolated Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Possible Again Today... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for Atlantic coastal waters, southeast Florida, southern Florida, southwest Florida and Gulf of Mexico. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. Excessive Heat: Heat indices of 100 to 106 degrees are forecast across most of the area this afternoon. Thunderstorms: Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible today, mainly across the Lake Okeechobee region and East Coast metro areas. A few strong to severe thunderstorms with gusty winds and hail cannot be ruled out today mainly across Palm Beach and Broward Counties. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday. Heat indices of 100 to 105 degrees will continue across most of the area Friday and into the weekend. Peak heat indices of 105 to 110 degrees will be possible during this time frame, especially on Saturday. Thunderstorms will be possible each afternoon through the weekend. Some of the stronger storms could contain heavy rain, gusty winds, small hail, and frequent lightning. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Weather spotters are encouraged to report high wind, hail, and flooding to the National Weather Service forecast office in Miami.
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Miami FL
1206 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
FLZ066-070-161645-
Hendry FL-Inland Collier County FL-
1206 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Collier
and west central Hendry Counties through 1245 PM EDT...
At 1205 PM EDT, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking
a strong thunderstorm 7 miles east of Southwest Florida Airport, or 7
miles south of Lehigh Acres, moving southeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Immokalee, Ave Maria, Felda, Big Corkscrew Island, Orangetree,
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Lake Trafford.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
These winds can down small tree limbs and branches, and blow around
unsecured small objects. Seek shelter in a safe building until the
storm passes.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 2642 8156 2660 8156 2651 8129 2627 8153
2639 8166 2642 8166
TIME...MOT...LOC 1605Z 302DEG 23KT 2650 8165
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH
BaxterSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Miami FL
1248 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
FLZ070-161715-
Inland Collier County FL-
1248 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Collier
County through 115 PM EDT...
At 1248 PM EDT, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking
a strong thunderstorm near Big Corkscrew Island, or 9 miles west of
Immokalee, moving southeast at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Immokalee, Ave Maria, Golden Gate Estates, Orangetree, Big Corkscrew
Island, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Lake Trafford.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
These winds can down small tree limbs and branches, and blow around
unsecured small objects. Seek shelter in a safe building until the
storm passes.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 2642 8166 2642 8156 2651 8156 2651 8151
2645 8132 2625 8155 2636 8166
TIME...MOT...LOC 1648Z 306DEG 12KT 2645 8156
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
BaxterSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Miami FL
101 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
FLZ066-070-161730-
Hendry FL-Inland Collier County FL-
101 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Collier and southwestern Hendry Counties through 130 PM EDT...
At 101 PM EDT, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking
a strong thunderstorm near Immokalee, moving east at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Ave Maria, Immokalee, Bunker Hill, and Lake Trafford.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
LAT...LON 2649 8149 2647 8127 2625 8135 2639 8159
TIME...MOT...LOC 1701Z 292DEG 17KT 2643 8148
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
HadiSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Miami FL
129 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
FLZ070-161800-
Inland Collier County FL-
129 PM EDT Thu May 16 2024
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of north central
Collier County through 200 PM EDT...
At 129 PM EDT, National Weather Service meteorologists were tracking
a strong thunderstorm over Immokalee. This storm was nearly
stationary.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph and nickel size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Immokalee, Ave Maria, and Bunker Hill.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
These winds can down small tree limbs and branches, and blow around
unsecured small objects. Seek shelter in a safe building until the
storm passes.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 2637 8147 2646 8146 2646 8128 2629 8128
TIME...MOT...LOC 1729Z 295DEG 4KT 2641 8143
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
HadiThe Miami radar (KAMX), 136 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 17:47 UTC.
1 flood, 1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Several pictures and videos on social media of flooded streets and parking lots after a strong thunderstorm slowly moved through the area.
A survey crew found wind damage consistent with a downburst of up to 70 mph / 61 knots after a severe thunderstorm went through Immokalee. The straight-line wind damage started just west of 9th Street and went between Main and Colorado until about 4th St. Several medium to large tree limbs were broken, with power lines and poles knocked down, and tents blown over.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Florida in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Florida, May 2024
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: 1182261, 1182264.