Effects of strong winds in South Florida

by rfergusonlaw.com · November 16, 2023

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – As tropical storm force winds batter South Florida and the Treasure Coast on Thursday, WPTV is compiling images from across our region of the effects of the severe weather.

8:48 am

A large palm tree crashed to the ground in front of a home at Hawthorne Drive and Third Street in Lake Park, blocking part of the road.

Dale Jeffs and Patty Gray

A large palm tree at Hawthorne Avenue and Third Street in Lake Park on November 16, 2023.

8:40 am

Strong winds knocked down tables, chairs and umbrellas outside the BurgerFi restaurant on Atlantic Avenue near Florida’s Turnpike in West Delray Beach, and the arena lost power.

Tables and chairs were broken at a BurgerFi restaurant in west Delray Beach

7:59 am

Several tents were damaged at a Christmas tree farm in the area of U.S. 1 and Donald Ross Road in Juno Beach.

A damaged tent at a Christmas tree farm in Palm Beach County on November 16, 2023.jpg — A damaged tent at a Christmas tree farm in Palm Beach County on November 16, 2023.

7:29 am

The winds were so strong Thursday, they damaged this trampoline and tossed it onto the Congress Street sidewalk in West Palm Beach.

A damaged trampoline sits on the Congress Avenue sidewalk in West Palm Beach on November 16, 2023.jpg — A damaged trampoline lies on the Congress Avenue sidewalk in West Palm Beach on November 16, 2023.

7 am

WPTV weather forecaster Teresa O’Neill captured this photo of a royal poinciana tree on her way in Boca Raton, east of Florida Atlantic University.

A tree falls in the Boca Raton community, east of Florida Atlantic University, on November 16, 2023.jpg — A tree in the Boca Raton community, east of Florida Atlantic University, on November 16, 2023.

6:36 am

As daylight broke, our WPTV news crew captured big waves along the coast in Delray Beach, right at A1A and Atlantic Avenue.

Earlier Thursday, maximum wind speeds in this area reached 42 mph. But as of 6:30 a.m., average wind gusts are now less than 20 mph.

Big waves along the coast of Delray Beach

6:35 am

The morning commute looks rain-free on Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach. However, the side streets are littered with palm fronds and other debris, but there are no floods.

WPTV Weather Pilot 5 travels south on Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach on November 16, 2023.jpg — WPTV Weather Pilot 5 travels south on Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach on November 16, 2023.

5:40 am

Patio furniture was broken at Sailfish Marina in Stuart. But fortunately, there does not appear to be any damage to the boats tied securely at the marina.

The heavy waves made the boats rock back and forth, WPTV journalist Brianna Nispral said.

No damage to boats at Sailfish Marina in Stuart

5:10 am

According to Florida Power & Light, there were more than 30,000 power outages in Palm Beach County Thursday morning.

There are approximately 300 outages in Martin County, 150 in St. Lucie County, 140 in Indian River County, and no outages reported in Okeechobee County.

You can get the latest power outage information by clicking here.

Nearly 30,000 power outages in Palm Beach County

5:09 am

Strong wind gusts toppled construction equipment such as metal poles, fences and barricades in downtown West Palm Beach Thursday morning.

Construction equipment overturned in downtown West Palm Beach

4:40 am

Wind gusts of more than 30 mph were recorded at A1A and Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, with tables and chairs toppling over. WPTV journalist TA Walker reports.

Windy on A1A and Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach

3:15 am

Palm fronds fell across our area with sustained winds between 25 and 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service. This photo shows a frond in the Canyon Trails community in west Boynton Beach.