Tropical Depression — Inland Broward County, Florida

2007-10-30 to 2007-10-31 · Inland Broward County, Florida

Event narrative

Tropical Storm Noel moved north from eastern Cuba to across the western Bahama Islands from October 30 through October 31. The interaction of Noel with a strong high pressure area located over the mid-Atlantic states produced strong winds over southeast Florida and the adjacent waters well before Noel made its closest passage to the area early on November 1. Although the winds on October 30 and 31 which preceded the direct circulation of Noel were not directly associated with Noel, they are included under this Tropical Storm event category for the sake of simplicity.

Highest sustained winds at ASOS sites ranged from 23 to 27 knots (27 to 31 mph), with highest gusts from 32 to 38 knots (37 to 44 mph). Over the coastal waters and along the immediate coast, sustained winds were estimated at around 30 to 33 knots (35 to 38 knots), with gusts near 40 knots (46 mph).

Damage was minor and mainly confined to a few downed power lines. Around 5,000 customers lost power in the three-county area of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Rainfall amounts were rather light, ranging from a half-inch (0.5) to nearly two inches (1.94) 9 miles west of Sweetwater.

Lowest sea level pressures were in the 1003 to 1004 mb range.

Wider weather episode

A strong pressure gradient between high pressure over the Mid-Atlantic states and Tropical Storm Noel over Hispaniola and eastern Cuba caused a prolonged period of strong east winds over Southeast Florida and the adjacent waters. As Noel moved north across the western Bahamas, the strong winds continued across southeast Florida. The event caused severe beach erosion, coastal flooding, and minor wind damage. The event lasted into the first few days of November.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 62448. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.