- March 12, 2025
The following is adapted from a press release from the Florida Division of Hurricane Management.
Floridians are urged to remain alert as a tropical storm warning has been extended along the Florida Atlantic Coast from Ocean Reef to Flagler Beach, through Miami-Dade and for Lake Okeechobee. A tropical storm watch is in effect from Flagler Beach, north, through Nassau County, and for the Upper Keys, from Ocean Reef to Craig Key. The State Emergency Operations Center in Tallahassee is currently operating at a level two — partial activation.
Strengthening to a Category 2 hurricane overnight, Sandy is located about 430 miles southeast of Miami, and moving north at 18 mph. The official forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows a large and powerful Hurricane Sandy passing through the central Bahamas today and then over or just east of the Northwestern Bahamas on Friday.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to 105 mph. Windy conditions will begin today for portions of South Florida, with peak winds impacting Southeast Florida and the Treasure Coast tonight through Friday evening and highest winds along the Space and First coasts Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. During this time, winds could gust to 40-50 mph or higher in the Tropical Storm Warning area.
Storm surge values will raise water levels one to two feet above normal tide, but large and battering waves will likely result in beach erosion, coastal flooding and a high rip current risk lasting as long as the middle of next week. Breakers as high as 10 feet at the coast and waves of 20-30 feet offshore are forecast. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for most of the Florida coastal waters, even on the Gulf side.
Although the flood risk is currently expected to be low, rainfall amounts may reach 1-3 inches along the East Coast and the high winds may make driving difficult.
Take appropriate safety precautions before, during and after the storm, including:
Heed all instructions from local officials and stay tuned to local media for developments.
Watch for rip currents and follow beach warning flags. If you go to the beach, pay attention to the warning flags and do not swim if beaches are closed. Tropical storms and hurricanes increase the risk of dangerous rip currents.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown. If you see a flooded roadway, turn around and take another route. Take your time when travelling.
Listen for public announcements about the safety of the public water supply, and take action if a local boil water notice has been issued.
Avoid standing water. Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts. Do not allow children to play in floodwater.
Wash your hands. Stay as clean as possible by washing your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
Avoid downed power lines. If you see a downed power line, assume it is live and contact the utility.
Operate equipment only in safe conditions and if experienced in proper use.
Be alert to wildlife that may have been displaced as a result of flooding.
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with contaminated water from floods or tidal surges.
Drain standing water to prevent mosquito-borne illness from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
Cover your skin with clothing and insect repellent.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.
