Severe Weather Alert - Wednesday, July 15, 2026
BOCA RATON, FL — South Florida is in a volatile late-afternoon pattern Wednesday, with oppressive heat and storms developing over the interior and western metro areas. A severe thunderstorm warning is currently focused on central Broward County through 4:45 p.m., and while Boca Raton is not included in the warned area, residents in northern Broward and southern Palm Beach should stay alert for fast-moving storms, sudden wind bursts, and dangerous lightning during the commute window.
At 4:36 p.m., the National Weather Service reported a severe thunderstorm located near the intersection of I-75 and U.S. 27 (near Sunrise), moving south at about 15 mph.
The primary hazards are wind gusts up to 60 mph and penny-size hail (with a maximum hail size listed at 0.75 inches). The NWS warns impacts could include damage to roofs, siding, and trees—especially where gusts hit hardest or where branches are already weakened by summer heat and prior storms.
Locations specifically impacted in the warning include Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Weston, Sawgrass Mills Mall, Markham Park, the East Toll Gate on Alligator Alley, and the I-75/U.S. 27 corridor.
For Boca Raton and nearby communities, the key message is proximity: storms in Broward can intensify quickly and shift east or expand, bringing sudden squalls, blinding downpours, and frequent cloud-to-ground lightning. If you’re heading south on I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, or toward the Sawgrass/Alligator Alley area, be prepared for rapidly deteriorating driving conditions.
Important Information
- Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 4:45 PM EDT for central Broward County
- Hazards: 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail (max hail size 0.75 inch)
- Storm motion: moving south at 15 mph (radar indicated)
- Impacts: potential damage to roofs, siding, and trees
- Safety action: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building
Track the latest South Florida warnings and radar updates from the National Weather Service and local forecasts as storms evolve quickly this afternoon and evening.
Update (Jul 15, 4:46 PM ET) — Alert Canceled
The National Weather Service has canceled or allowed this severe weather alert to expire. Conditions no longer warrant a warning for the area.
Update (Jul 15, 5:01 PM ET) — Alert Canceled
The National Weather Service has canceled or allowed this severe weather alert to expire. Conditions no longer warrant a warning for the area.
Update (Jul 15, 5:01 PM ET) — Alert Canceled
The National Weather Service has canceled or allowed this severe weather alert to expire. Conditions no longer warrant a warning for the area.
