The National Weather Service (NWS) for South Florida posted on its social media a list of the five most significant weather events that impacted the region in 2024, highlighting extreme phenomena that made a lasting impression on the state.
According to posts on social media platform X, the most significant weather event in southern Florida in 2024 was the historic outbreak of tornadoes associated with Hurricane Milton, which took place on October 9.
Tornado outbreaks caused by Hurricane Milton
Without a doubt, the most remarkable event during Hurricane Milton's passage through Florida last October was the formation of nearly twenty tornadoes in just a few hours, affecting the central and southern parts of the state.
Hours before Hurricane Milton made landfall at night as a Category 3 hurricane, leaving a path of destruction, at least 19 tornadoes were reported in central and southern Florida.
One of the most spectacular ones was recorded in Wellington, at Palm Beach.
June Floods
According to the weather agency, Florida experienced severe flooding in June, marking it as the second most significant event to impact the state in 2024.
South Florida was impacted by heavy rainfall that lasted several days, causing significant flooding, tornadoes, highway closures, class suspensions, and the cancellation of nearly 300 flights.
"Insurance companies are going to go bankrupt after this storm... Here’s a look at some of the wildest moments from today’s floods!" summarized the popular Instagram account Only in Dade.
Striking images shared on social media revealed the extent of the weather crisis, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota counties.
Storm Surge (Debby / Helene)
In August, tropical storm Debby caused surge waves ranging from two to four feet high (approximately between half a meter and 1.2 meters) in the city of Fort Myers.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt was amazed by the impact of the storm and shared images of the surges on social media.
In September, Hurricane Helene brought rainfall and flooding to southern Florida, particularly in the Gulf counties and Miami-Dade.
Summer heatwave
The heat wave that hit Florida last summer was particularly intense, with days reaching record temperatures, marking one of the most extreme episodes of the year.
In May, for example, the city of Fort Lauderdale experienced a record temperature of 98 degrees Fahrenheit (36.6 degrees Celsius), the highest in the last 15 years.
That figure officially ranks as the highest reported in the city since June 22, 2009.
Days earlier, the hottest day of 2024 had been recorded in two cities in Florida, with temperatures reaching 94 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4 degrees Celsius) in Miami and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) in Fort Lauderdale.
That same month, Miami recorded the hottest May in its history.
Meteorologist Brian McNoldy announced on his social media that the heat index of 112 °F (44.4 °C) recorded at 3 p.m. in Miami on May 18, 2024, broke the previous daily record by 11 °F (6.1 °C) and the monthly record by 6 °F (3.3 °C).
Additionally, it was noted that this value was tied for the third highest heat index ever recorded in the city, alongside other historical records such as 114 °F (45.6 °C) on August 9, 2023, and 113 °F (45 °C) on August 8, 2023.
Dawn in Southern Florida
The meteorological agency ranked the auroras seen in the southern part of Florida as the fifth most impactful phenomenon of 2024.
Of the list, this was undoubtedly the most beautiful of the phenomena, when the sky was painted with stunning shades of pink, leaving behind incredible images.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt described the aurora seen in southwest Florida in May as "extremely rare," a phenomenon that hadn't occurred in decades.
The dawn, glowing in shades of pink in the northern sky, was likened by Devitt to the possibility of seeing snow in the region, noting that many might never witness something like it again in their lifetime.
He explained that this extraordinary event was caused by an extreme solar storm, categorized as G5, which produced visible auroras not only in Florida but also in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica.
Frequently Asked Questions about Weather Events in South Florida in 2024
What was the most significant weather event in South Florida in 2024?
The most significant weather event in South Florida in 2024 was the historic outbreak of tornadoes associated with Hurricane Milton, which occurred on October 9. This phenomenon resulted in the formation of at least 19 tornadoes in the central and southern parts of the state, causing significant destruction.
What were the consequences of Hurricane Milton in Florida?
Hurricane Milton left a path of destruction in Florida, resulting in at least 13 fatalities, severe flooding, and extensive damage from the tornadoes that preceded its arrival. Over three million people were left without electricity, and numerous homes were destroyed.
What other weather events affected southern Florida in 2024?
In addition to Hurricane Milton, Florida faced severe flooding in June, storm surges in August due to Tropical Storm Debby, and Hurricane Helene in September, along with an intense heatwave in the summer and a rare phenomenon of auroras in May.
What measures were taken in response to the arrival of Hurricane Milton?
Before the impact of Hurricane Milton, numerous evacuation orders and safety alerts were issued in Florida. Authorities urged residents to protect their properties and prepare for extended power outages. Shelters were established, and there was a warning about the possibility of tornadoes.
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