FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - As Tropical Storm Gordon moved across the Gulf of Mexico, heavy rain and wind hit South Florida, putting a damper on Labor Day plans.
The usually-crowded beaches were mostly empty, and most people stayed in doors, but Gordon’s efforts were not enough to stop everyone from going out.
“I knew it was hurricane season so, we’re on holiday, so it doesn’t matter,” said Alana Greany, who is visiting from Australia.
“After we watched the game last night, we came here to spend the night and then try to get to the beach, but that wasn’t happening,” said George Arteaga, who is cutting his vacation short.
One tourist did not mind the severe weather.
“We’re OK. We’re not at home doing the usual at work,” said Jeanne Bonner, who is visiting from Nashville. “This is all good. It’ll pass.”
Florida-native Kim Maloney made her way to the Keys, despite the nearby storm.
“We’re from Florida. This is our first trip down, so the rain won’t stop us going down there. We’re used to this,” she said.
However, officials recommend staying indoors and staying off the road.
A fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Miami-Dade caused heavy delays in the morning after officials temporarily shut down all northbound lanes.
Not too far from that scene, a tanker truck crashed into the median near Northwest 79th Street.
Related: Northbound I-95 reopens beyond I-195 after fatal crash
Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue took to Twitter to remind residents that all county beaches were closed.
Miami-Dade County beaches are currently closed to beachgoers due to high risk of rip currents and unfavorable weather conditions. Surfers and swimmers should stay out of the water as lifeguards are not in service. #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/sjZDLrlv4R
— Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (@MiamiDadeFire) September 3, 2018
Many businesses remained open through the rain. However, certain business, like Zoo Miami and Jungle Island, closed for the day.
Along with the rain came flooding and even some power outages.
According to Florida Power and Light, as of 5:30 p.m., 1,873 people are without power in Miami-Dade, 275 people are without power in Broward and 125 people are without power in Palm Beach County.
Travelers faced delays and cancellations at Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
FLL officials said there were 199 delays and five cancellations. MIA experienced 10 delays and two cancellations.
Officers could be seen directing traffic at an intersection in Bal Harbour where power was knocked out to the street signals.
In Broward County, it’s the same story.
Life guard stands on Hollywood Beach remained open. However, very few people were seen walking down the beach.
Photos sent by a 7News viewer showed a broken window caused by a small patio chair thrown by gusty winds.
One business owner said she had to shut down in light of the storm.
“Usually, on Labor Day, the beach is packed. We have a lot of people. The bar is usually open, we have a lot of people in and out. Today, it’s dead,” said Elite Campbell. “We had a lot of cancellations today because of this, so it’s not a great day today.”
Business owners on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach were counting on the Labor Day weekend to make big sales. Instead, they were impacted by torrential rain and gusty winds.
“We do 50 percent more than a regular weekend, so when it rains like this, it’s less tourism and less people on the streets,” said Maya’s Grill owner Alejandro Maya. “August and September are usually really bad months, so we’ve been needing this weekend.”
Employees at the Majestic Hotel were spotted packing up tables and doing their best to make the restaurant look presentable.
“Not looking good, but it’s passing by, so hopefully it will get better,” said server Alex Chiriboga.
Tourists visiting Fort Lauderdale found the severe weather to be an attraction of its own.
“Being from Michigan, this is kind of exciting,” said Mike Stein.
“We’re on our balcony, we’re watching the oceans. Our storms are not near as fun,” said his wife, Linda Stein. “We just lose power and everybody complains about it.”
Other tourists were unhappy with the outcome of their vacation.
“We’re here today, and we’re flying out tomorrow,” said Barb McClellan, who is visiting from Texas. “And no, this is not what I wanted for my day here.”
As the storms began to wind down, people started flocking to bars and restaurants like Elbo Room on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.
“You turn on the TV, you go on Facebook, and you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s a tropical storm. Welcome to Florida,'” said customer Peter Wood. “Eventually you’re like, ‘I gotta get out of the house!'”
Tropical Storm Gordon is now west of South Florida.
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