Hurricane Sandy: South Beach Restaurants, Shops Feel Effects

Deirdra Funcheon

Whole Foods on Alton Road on Saturday morning.

Friends and family up north are preparing for Sandy's wrath as we enjoy a cool, sunny morning. But although Sandy mostly left Miami unscathed, there was scattered flooding and wind damage in various parts of south Florida.

Alton Road on South Beach was particularly hit hard, with major flooding making it difficult, if not impossible, for local residents to do normal weekend chores like walk the dog, shop for groceries, or grab a morning coffee.

This photo was taken on Saturday morning outside of Whole Foods Market on Alton Road. Shops and restaurants had sand bags propped against their windows and doors to prevent the water, which rose well above curb level, from entering.

Josh Marcus, owner of MB Brewhouse, said that his parking lot and the alley behind his restaurant are still flooded.

Nanette Rodriguez, public information officer for the City of Miami Beach, told Short Order that the flooding was part of a weather phenomenon caused by a combination of winds from Hurricane Sandy and the high tide caused by the full moon. "Water is supposed to drain into Biscayne Bay, but the bay is currently so high that it's like pouring water into an already full glass."

Currently Miami-Dade is still under a coastal flood warning, with Sandy generating large swells and seas of 8 to 13 feet. According to the National Weather Service, conditions should start to improve Tuesday morning as Sandy heads further away from Miami.

Follow @LaineDoss on Twitter and Facebook.

Follow Short Order on Facebook and Twitter @Short_Order.