Florida weather alert · November 2026
The storm may pass. But what if the power doesn't come back?
Short answer
Flooding, heavy rain and strong winds can damage electrical infrastructure and cause outages. Most grid-connected solar systems shut down during an outage unless they include compatible backup equipment. With solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall battery, a home can store electricity and keep selected essential circuits powered, depending on system configuration and battery charge.
Heavy rainfall and flooding affected parts of Palm Beach County, including the West Palm Beach area, at the start of November 2026. The recent storms are a reminder of how quickly severe weather can disrupt everyday life, and of what happens at home when the grid goes down.
What happened in West Palm Beach?
On Monday, November 2, 2026, the National Weather Service office in Miami issued several flash flood warnings for eastern and southeastern Palm Beach County. The warning issued at 7:29 PM EST listed West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Lake Worth and Riviera Beach among the places expected to see flash flooding (NWS Miami warning text).
Along the coast, a coastal flood advisory for coastal Palm Beach and Broward counties stayed in effect until 7 PM EST on Tuesday, November 3, warning of flooding of lots, parks and roads (NWS Miami advisory text). The advisory expired that evening, and a coastal flood statement continued through Wednesday, November 4. For current alerts, always check the National Weather Service Miami office.
When the grid goes down, is your home ready?
Flooding, heavy rain and strong winds can damage electrical infrastructure and cause unexpected outages. For homeowners, losing electricity can mean losing access to air conditioning, refrigeration, internet and essential electronics, and lighting and other household necessities.
Preparing before the next storm can make a difference. Ready.gov recommends knowing which devices you depend on, planning backup power for medical equipment and keeping refrigerators and freezers closed during an outage. Utilities such as Florida Power & Light also publish storm preparation guides for their customers.
Why isn't solar alone enough during an outage?
Most traditional grid-connected solar systems shut down during an outage unless they include compatible backup equipment. This is a safety rule: when the grid fails, the inverter stops sending power into the lines so utility crews can repair them safely. Even on a sunny day after a storm, a solar-only system usually stays off.
With solar panels and Tesla Powerwall battery storage, homeowners can store electricity and keep selected essential circuits powered during outages, depending on system configuration and battery charge. While the home is isolated from the grid, the panels can recharge the battery during daylight. We explain the basics in our guide on whether solar panels work during a power outage.
What should I know about home batteries and flooding?
Battery systems must not be operated if damaged by flooding. If water has reached your battery, inverter or electrical panel, keep away from the equipment, do not switch it on and contact your installer. Ready.gov warns never to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
Where the battery is mounted matters in flood-prone areas. Before installation, a good design reviews the site, the mounting height and local permit rules, so the system is placed where it is best protected.
How can I protect my home's energy before the next storm?
Backup capabilities vary by installation. The right system depends on which circuits you want to keep on, how much energy your home uses and how long you want to be covered. VOLT Home designs solar and battery solutions tailored to each Florida home, from the electrical panel to the roof.
Solar + battery options start at $149/month with $0 down, subject to financing approval and eligibility, and the solar consultation is free. You can also see our solar + battery options or design your system online with your own address.
Protect your home's energy future
Explore solar and battery solutions tailored to your home's needs.
Solar + battery options starting at $149/month. $0 down, free solar consultation. Financing and eligibility requirements apply. Backup capabilities vary by installation.
Frequently asked questions
Did West Palm Beach have flash flood warnings in November 2026?
Yes. On November 2, 2026, the National Weather Service in Miami issued flash flood warnings for eastern and southeastern Palm Beach County, and one of them listed West Palm Beach among the places expected to flood. A coastal flood advisory for coastal Palm Beach and Broward counties ran until 7 PM EST on November 3.
Will my solar panels keep working if the power goes out?
Usually not. Most grid-connected solar systems shut down during an outage unless they include compatible backup equipment, such as a battery with backup controls.
What can a Tesla Powerwall keep on during an outage?
It can keep selected essential circuits powered, such as the refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi and fans. What stays on depends on the system configuration and the battery charge; larger loads like central air conditioning need a system designed for them.
Can I use my battery if it was flooded?
No. Battery systems must not be operated if damaged by flooding. Stay away from wet electrical equipment and contact your installer for an inspection.
How much does solar plus a battery cost with VOLT Home?
Solar + battery options start at $149/month with $0 down, subject to financing approval and eligibility. A free consultation confirms the system and price for your home.
Sources
- National Weather Service Miami, Flash Flood Warning for eastern Palm Beach County, November 2, 2026, 5:27 PM EST (archived product text)
- National Weather Service Miami, Flash Flood Warning for eastern Palm Beach County incl. West Palm Beach, November 2, 2026, 7:29 PM EST (archived product text)
- National Weather Service Miami, Coastal Flood Advisory for coastal Palm Beach and Broward counties until 7 PM EST, November 3, 2026 (archived product text)
- National Weather Service Miami, coastal flood advisory expired, November 3, 2026, 7:01 PM EST (archived product text)
- National Weather Service, Miami – South Florida forecast office
- Ready.gov (FEMA), Power Outages
- Ready.gov (FEMA), Floods
- Florida Power & Light, Storm preparedness
- Tesla, Powerwall (official product page)