Strong gusts of wind accompanied by torrential rains punished the southern counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe, the latter where the tourist Florida Keys are located.

South Florida (USA) has been preparing since yesterday, Friday, for the arrival of a “potential” tropical storm formed with the remnants of Hurricane Agatha, which has already hit Mexico, and, just three days after the start of the hurricanes, has mobilized part of the population of this state.

Strong gusts of wind accompanied by torrential rains punished the southern counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe this Friday, the latter where the tourist Florida Keys are located.

As residents in low-lying areas continued to fill sandbags to protect driveways to homes and businesses from flooding, officials urged residents to be prepared “now” for hurricane season.

“We are observing the potential storm and at this time there are no interruptions in the (public) transportation service, but the covid-19 testing sites may be temporarily closed today and tomorrow,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

“This potential storm comes just three days into the hurricane season and it is time to prepare well; being prepared is the best way to stay safe,” said Levine Cava.

For his part, the commissioner (councilman) José “Pepe” Díaz assured that the county, with some 2.5 million inhabitants, is verifying “if the channels that flow into the sea have the capacity to withstand the water that will fall between today and tomorrow.”