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Flood Watch Set, Severe Storms Likely In S. Florida

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Raked by thunderstorms and heavy rain overnight, South Florida is bracing for another round of severe weather Saturday, with the possibility of violent lightning, heavy rain, and even flooding in some areas. A flood watch has been declared for much of South Florida, and the weather has forced numerous cancellations, including for the first time in it's 31 year history the 7-mile Bridge run in the Keys.

The weather is being caused by a series of storm systems, the first of which moved through South Florida overnight.

This system is heading east. Combined with deep moisture across the state South Florida is covered in pockets of heavy rain.

A Flood Watch is in effect through Sunday morning for localized areas of flooding anywhere in South Florida. As the day goes on and this disturbance gets closer the amount available energy will gradually grow.

During the very late afternoon and especially evening/ overnight hours strong to severe weather will become more possible. Right now severe storms are located over the Florida Straits, south of the Keys. Some of this activity is likely to move north into parts of South Florida overnight.

Along with these storms we may experience winds above 60 mph, isolated tornadoes, frequent lightning and torrential downpours. On Sunday morning the threat for severe weather will decrease and the weather will gradually dry out on Sunday with some breaks of sun possible. But expect windy west winds with gusts over 30 mph. Nice weather will return to South Florida Monday with a breezy but pleasant feel.

The weather is causing the cancellation of a number of events, including, ironically, Earth Day events planned for a number of communities including North Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami Beach, where spokesperson Nanette Rodriguez noted the cancellation was caused, "due to Mother's Nature's pending fury.."

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