Thunderstorms, flooding plague South Florida. Ultra Music Festival temporarily shut down

Omar Rodríguez Ortiz, Devoun Cetoute
·3 min read
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As forecasters warned much of South Florida could see a dangerous mix of severe weather Friday night, Miami’s Ultra Music Festival temporarily shut down for safety.

More than 100,000 people were expected to dance this weekend to the beat of electronic music at Ultra, an annual, three-day outdoor party at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.

The hazardous weather’s primary threats included damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes.

The National Weather Service said:

Photos from Day 3 of Ultra Music Festival Miami on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
Photos from Day 3 of Ultra Music Festival Miami on Sunday, March 27, 2022.

Active weather warnings

South Florida was being warned to watch for tornadoes, land spouts, hail and flooding for much of Friday night.

All of Miami-Dade and Monroe counties are under a tornado watch until 3 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said. Forecasters said there could be a couple of tornadoes, hail the size of quarters and scattered gusts up to 70 mph.

Eastern Miami-Dade and Broward, including Miami, North Miami, Hollywood and Hallandale Beach, were under a special weather statement until 9:30 p.m. Land spouts and pea-sized hail were expected in those regions.

A flash flood warning is in effect for Miami Beach until 10:45 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for much of eastern Miami-Dade, including Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Shores, North Miami and Aventura.

How much rain is expected?

Excessive rainfall could result in localized flash flooding in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties are under a flood watch through Saturday evening.

READ MORE: Heading downtown for Ultra, Miami Heat or ‘Hamilton?’ Expect detours, street shutdowns

Rainfall totals of two to four inches are estimated across the region, but five or more inches of rain is possible in some areas in the southern half of Miami-Dade.

Up to four inches of rain or more are expected this weekend in parts of South Florida, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.
Up to four inches of rain or more are expected this weekend in parts of South Florida, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

What about the wind?

Gusty winds are anticipated with 20-30 mph sustained winds and gusts of up to 70 mph Friday night through Saturday afternoon.

READ MORE: Miami Music Week returns with techno-fueled lineups at events all around the county

A wind advisory is in effect until Saturday evening for areas closest to the Atlantic Coast. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.

Beware of coastal hazards

Those planning to go to the beach or hop on a boat might have to reconsider their plans.

Dangerous marine conditions were expected starting Friday. Conditions should gradually improve early next week as winds and seas subside.

The risk of rip currents will remain high along the Atlantic Coast into next week.

The risk of rip currents will remain high in South Florida into next week, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.
The risk of rip currents will remain high in South Florida into next week, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.

What’s happening with Ultra?

Ultra urges attendees to follow its X account, @ultra, for updates. To receive safety alerts from Ultra, text “ULTRA” to 48477.

When will the downpour cease?

Weather is forecast to improve Sunday and into next week with dry conditions, gradually subsiding winds and seasonable temperatures.