A fast-moving thunderstorm swept through Pembroke Pines on Friday afternoon, damaging multiple aircraft at North Perry Airport, knocking down power lines and prompting a temporary airport closure, officials said.
Airport damage and temporary closure
“At approximately 6 p.m., the area surrounding North Perry Airport (HWO) experienced a severe thunderstorm, which brought strong damaging winds,” said Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport spokesperson Arlene Satchell.
“Several aircraft were severely damaged. As a result, HWO is closed until 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 to allow the Broward County Aviation Department to continue an initial damage assessment at our general aviation airport.”
Local resident recalls intense weather
Wendy Gomez, a long-time Pembroke Pines resident who lives near the airport, described the storm as brief but intense.
“It lasted for 20 to 30 minutes. There was a lot of rain and the power flickered a few times,” Gomez said. “It was a nice monsoon that went by. We had hail, a lot of strong wind, but everything held up—just a few branches fell.”
“The gusts were very strong. That’s why I called it a monsoon. Me and my daughter were saying, what are we having, a little mini hurricane?
Power disruptions reported nearby
Elsewhere, police said several power lines were knocked down between Palm Avenue and Northwest 72nd Avenue near Pines Boulevard.
Some homes in the area may be without power temporarily, authorities said.
