Tornado Watch Issued for Miami, 7 Million People Under Warning
A tornado watch has been issued for Miami, according to the US National Weather Service. The watch comes as a strong storm system moves east across the state of Florida and more than 7 million people in South Florida are under a tornado warning.
The National Weather Service office in Miami reported that a severe thunderstorm, capable of producing a tornado, was located over Coconut Grove, or near Miami, moving northeast at a speed of more than 60 kilometers per hour (about 40 miles per hour).
Localities affected by the tornado warning include Downtown Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, South Miami, Kendall, Doral, Miami Lakes, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Springs, Sweetwater, Medley, Westchester, Fountainbleau, Kendale Lakes, Coral Terrace, Olympia Heights, Sunset, and Marlins Park.
The tornado warning will be in effect until 2 pm ET and includes Miami, Key West, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach. The main threats from the storm line include possible tornadoes, scattered damaging wind gusts at 112 kilometers per hour (about 70 miles per hour), and isolated large hail up to 1 inch in diameter.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and stay tuned to weather updates. This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.