HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Wet and windy conditions persisted across South Florida, as rounds of rain and powerful gusts dampened people’s holiday plans.
The region on Thursday remained caught between high pressure to the north and a stalled front to the south, creating damp and dreary conditions.
Despite wild winds sweeping through Hollywood on Thursday morning, locals and visitors alike braved the elements for a walk.
Some even appreciated nature and the waves.
“The waves are beautiful. I can’t wait to see the sunrise and see the contrast between the peaceful sun against the rest of this place,” said one tourist.
However, not everyone shared the same sentiment. Visitors from Canada who were escaping freezing temperatures found the windy conditions less than ideal for outdoor activities.
“I hate windy days,” said a woman.
Hollywood Beach experienced relentless wind and light rain, accompanied by impressive waves, for a second day in a row.
“Is it like this all the time?” a man visiting from West Virginia said.
While the waves created a captivating show, the hazardous conditions deterred people from taking a plunge in the water.
To prevent a repeat of last month‘s incident where sand washed onto the Broadwalk and into restaurants, the city of Hollywood installed large orange barricades.
After sunset, cameras captured sand pushed onto the Broadwalk. Crews were seen extending the barricades to help protect the south end of the Broadwalk.
Fort Lauderdale Beach was pretty deserted on Thursday as well. A holiday skating rink built for children sat unused, as white tents nearly blew over and the gates were on the ground.
It was just as windy down in Haulover Beach, but boats on the dock seemed to be holding up OK.
The looming concern is the potential for heavy rain, particularly in areas that faced historic flooding in April.
Hollywood has implemented precautionary measures, including pumps and high-water vehicles.
The South Florida Water Management is actively working to lower water levels in regional canals in anticipation of upcoming rains.
“On Monday, we started and completed lowering water levels in the regional canals,” said Randy Smith, a spokesperson for South Florida Waste Management.
A flood watch that was in effect both Miami-Dade and Broward counties was cancelled for the mainland, but it may be reissued on Friday.
Additionally, many across South Florida left powerless due to the strong winds. Miami-Dade County reported more than 2,500 homes and businesses have lost power. In Broward more than 1,500 and in Monroe County more than 500 outages.
Thursday night, 7News cameras captured the entrance to Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Medley completely empty. The holiday-themed attraction was shut down due to heavy downpours and strong winds.
Nothing was going on at Christmas Wonderland, located at Tropical Park, just empty trams and misty rain.
Meteorologists said conditions are expected to remain windy through the weekend. On Thursday, North Key Largo reported wind gusts of up to 54 miles per hour, and Pompano Beach reported wind gusts of 47 mph.
Over in Miami Beach, the weather was also windy and rainy.
A couple of people were seen outside trying to make the most of what South Florida had to offer.
For Kristina, who is from the south of France, the whipping winds sounded like a tornado to her. The conditions on Thursday were not the South Florida sunshine she was hoping for.
“I don’t know what kind of plans you can have in this sort of conditions, but just make the best of it,” she said.
Plans along Miami Beach came to a standstill as beach chairs were stacked up, outdoor seating was absent and umbrellas were strapped up.
Despite the conditions, Kristina was still walking outside, but was being cautious and watched what she was walking under.
“The trees are bending backwards and forwards,” she said. “I can’t imagine being in a category four hurricane.
Kristina’s imagination didn’t have to run wild because down in Coconut Grove, a tree snapped on the corner of Mary Street and Tigertail Avenue.
Near Miami City Hall, winds pushed around palm fronds, whipped through flags and rocked boats at the marina.
The City of Miami has installed 10 temporary pumps in preparation for any flooding. One of the pumps was placed near Edgewater, while other pumps will be placed between Morningside Park and Brickell.
The good news for residents is that those pumps have either been working really well, or the rain hasn’t overwhelmed the streets and sewer system.
Inflatable decorations also took a tumble as rough and windy weather swept across South Florida, disrupting the holiday cheer.
Santa and a gingerbread house succumbed to the gusts, symbolizing the struggle many faced in maintaining festive displays. Miami City Hall in Coconut Grove experienced ornament chaos as the wind scattered decorations across the lawn.
Despite the setbacks, the resilient spirit of Christmas prevailed as communities recovered, restoring the magic of the season.
Thursday night, the drizzle began to die down along Ocean Drive, but the winds began to pick up.
That didn’t stop visitors Zaid and Donna to take a stroll.
“We are from Egypt, so it’s a little bit different from our country, so yeah, it feels good for us,” said Zaid.
Julie and her daughter Valerie, meanwhile, are hoping the winds don;t ship their cruise ship off course.
“It’s quite surprising, let’s put it this way,” said Julie. “We’re going on the cruise tomorrow, so I’m hoping it’s going to get better.”
“Maybe it’s going to be like a tornado. It’s very big winds,” said Valerie.
Richard Van Leuvan, the manager at Ocean’s Ten restaurant on Ocean Drive, also hopes for a break from the whipping winds.
“Well, tonight it’s been real slow,” he said. “I mean, we have tourists who still need a place to eat, and we’re still open. Even though the weather’s bad, it’s part of Florida.”
Many other Ocean Drive restaurants, however, closed up shop until the strong winds pass.
North of the county line, organizers for this Saturday’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade said they;re not sure whether it’s safe to stage a show like this with the inclement weather expected to stick around this weekend. A decision as to whether the show will go on is expected sometime on Friday.
As of Thursday afternoon, no roads experienced flooding, but as always, motorists driving in the rain are urged to be extra cautious and keep a good following distance from the car in front of them.
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