Miscellaneous Weather Conditions

These are some of the weather conditions that affect South Florida. Scroll down the page or click the following links for additional information.

• Drought
• Coastal and Interior Flooding
• Extreme Cold
• Heat and Sun

Drought

Droughts, or preconditions for drought, generally occur when a combination of several severe weather phenomena are prevalent or exist in our ecosystem, such as a significant precipitation deficit, low stream flow, low ground water levels, high evaporative rates caused by prolonged high temperatures, widespread reports of water shortages, and or other factors.

The Climate Prediction Center is responsible for monitoring the current and/or anticipated drought status of communities in Southern Florida. The Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and Crop Moisture Index (CMI) are used to determine drought status. The use of these indices to determine the relative dryness or wetness effecting water sensitive economies helps to abate any severe impact that a drought may cause in our community.

During times of crisis, the Hollywood Police Department will notify the citizens of the expected actions that the City will take in cooperation with Broward County and the State of Florida to lessen the impact of any shortages of our water supply. Those instructions may include how an individual or family may better manage the water supply they currently have on hand, where and when an adequate supply of water will be made available, and what restrictions may be be enforced through city ordinances.

Coastal and Interior Flooding

In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical storms in the United States. Remember that flood conditions can change rapidly and severe flooding can develop in minutes. Flood water levels can be much deeper than they appear. The depth of water may be difficult to assess. Floodwater may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical waste, and therefore sanitize anything that may come in contact with the water before using the item.

Storm Surge - storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. While storm surge is always a potential threat, more people have died from inland flooding in the last 30 years.

Storm Tide - the advancing storm surge combines with the normal tides to create the storm tide

SLOSH Model - is one tool used to evaluate the threat from storm surge.

Wave and Current Action - associated with the tide also causes extensive damage. Water weighs approximately 1,700 pounds per cubic yard; extended pounding by frequent waves can demolish any structure not specifically designed to withstand such forces.

What can you do?

When you hear hurricane, think inland flooding.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.
Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater.
Do not attempt to cross flowing water. As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle; two feet of water will carry most cars away.
Develop a flood emergency action plan with your community leaders.
Obtain Flood Insurance, if you think you need it.
Determine whether you live in a potential flood zone.

The National Flood Insurance Program - is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners. National Flood Insurance Program call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445 (TDD# 1-800-427-5593).

Extreme Cold

Cold temperatures do impact Southern Florida, and believe it or not South Florida has even experienced snowfall (on January 19, 1977). Although it doesn't snow often, South Florida does experience near freezing temperatures a few times each year. The elderly and people with medical conditions, such as diabetes, are especially at risk to extreme temperatures and cannot tolerate too much cold. Cold weather can become a danger to those who are not physically prepared or sheltered adequately. Also, cold weather promotes use of portable heating devices. If these devices are used improperly, they can cause fires and toxic fumes causing serious injury and death. This problem is prevalent in South Florida, since most of homes were not built with major concern for heating.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
When indoors, be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
When outdoors, stay dry and in wind-protected areas; wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and eat high-calorie foods.

Cold Weather Terminology

A Freeze occurs when surface air temperature is below freezing 32° F over a widespread area for a significant period of time. Freeze is a term used for the condition when these low air temperatures injure vegetation, regardless if frost is deposited.
Frost is a cover of ice crystals produced by deposition of atmospheric water directly on a surface at or below freezing.
A Freeze Warning is issued by the National Weather Service to make agricultural interests and the public aware of anticipated freeze conditions over a large area.
A Hard Freeze Warning is issued by the National Weather Service to make agricultural interests and the public aware of anticipated freeze conditions that are of a four-hour duration or greater, below 28° F, and over a large area.
Wind Chill Factor is the cooling effect of any combination of temperature and wind, expressed as the loss of body heat. Also called wind-chill index.

Heat and Sun

Hot weather triggers a variety of medical emergencies. Even healthy people should take it easy during extremely high temperatures, and those with respiratory and other health problems must be especially careful. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Drink extra fluids, but avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause dehydration.

The best ways to prevent a sun-stress emergency are:

Drink before you are thirsty and drink often to replace body electrolytes
Eat a healthy diet.
Wear a ventilated, wide-brimmed hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing.
If you can, work in the cool hours of the day or evening.

Heat-related injuries fall into three major categories: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heatstroke.

Heat Cramps - are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often precede heat exhaustion. A person suffering from heat cramps should rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray the affected areas with water and massage the cramps.

Heat Exhaustion - is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, he or she will perspire profusely and most likely will be pale. A person suffering from heat exhaustion should relocate to a cool place, apply cool compresses, elevate the feet and drink plenty of fluids.

Heatstroke - is the most serious heat-related injury because the brain loses its ability to regulate body temperature. The person will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. The person’s temperature will be markedly high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1! The emergency care of heatstroke is to cool the body as quickly as possible. One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the person in cool, wet sheets.

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