Tropical Storm Imelda Brings Rough Surf to Boca Raton, Boynton Inlet

Palm Beach County was feeling limited effects of Tropical Storm Imelda Sunday afternoon, though the storm veered farther west than predicted, leaving only areas north of the county in a tropical storm watch. Farther south in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, the sun peaked out at times.

Waves whipped up by Tropical Storm Imelda at local beaches, Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

The surf was stirred by the storm offshore, and a rip current advisory was in effect. Waves were running 3-5 feet in the nearshore waters, but even during the afternoon high tide, inlets and beaches were not experiencing the heavy surf commonly seen during tropical systems. Winds occasionally gusted in excess of 20 m.p.h., and the strong onshore winds brought in some sargassum which has washed up on local beaches.

Swimming was generally prohibited at local beaches, though a few adventurous beachgoers took the opportunity to do some wind surfing. Beaches saw some erosion, with an escarpment forming on the berm, though its height was limited as waves lapped at the shore rather than crashed upon it.

Waves whipped up by Tropical Storm Imelda at local beaches, Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Waves whipped up by Tropical Storm Imelda at local beaches, Sept. 28, 2025. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

According to the National Weather Service, the outer bands of Imelda were forecast to rapidly move east, with sunshine returning to the area by Monday. The NWS forecasts a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms to start the week, mainly after 1 p.m. Monday. Otherwise, it will be mostly sunny, with a high near 86. It will remain windy, however, with a northwest wind 18 to 22 m.p.h., with gusts as high as 30 m.p.h.