Severe Flood Miami | South Florida Faces Extreme Weather Conditions

Heavy rains in South Florida have caused flooding and life-threatening conditions, prompting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to declare an emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties due to major flooding.

Numerous flash flood emergencies were issued as rainfall totals approached 12 inches in some spots, while the extreme weather prompted a ground stop at Miami International Airport, delays in flights and closures of several roads, including a major roadway.

Record-Breaking Rainfall and Flash Flood Miami Emergencies

Up to 8.5 inches of rain fell in Fort Lauderdale just before 7 p.m. ET, making this the wettest June day on record there. The NWS Miami office issued seven flash flood emergencies, indicating an imminent threat to life and property.

It later issued flood warnings for portions of Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier, and Hendry counties through 8am Thursday ET after the flash flood emergency expired. Computer models project more heavy rainfall on Thursday, which would quickly lead to more severe flooding.

Rainfall and Impact on Infrastructure

After heavy rain started on Tuesday, Miami-Dade and Broward counties were placed under a flood watch for the most of the week. However, by Wednesday afternoon, the situation drastically worsened as torrential rains fell.

Fort Lauderdale International Airport reported 11.19 inches of rain since midnight on Wednesday, and some weather stations near Hollywood, Fla., eclipsed 13 inches of rain since midnight Wednesday.

Forecast and Travel Disruptions

Just before 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the NWS Weather Prediction Centre released a forecast discussion stating that “catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding” was predicted to persist throughout the evening over the heavily populated and highly urbanised I-95 corridor, which runs from Fort Lauderdale south through Miami and Homestead.

Transport disruptions include more than 600 flights to and from Miami and Fort Lauderdale’s international airports canceled as of about 9pm Wednesday, and another 560 were delayed, including the Flight of the Florida Panthers to Edmonton for Thursday’s Stanley Cup Finals Game 3.

Government Response to the Flooding

South Florida has experienced heavy rain, causing flooding and closures in several counties. Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties, while Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis also declared states of emergency. At least forty police and fire department rescues have taken place at Dania Beach.

School and Public Service Closures

Broward County public schools are closed for summer sessions, while Miami River Center, City Hall, parks, summer camps, and solid waste collection are suspended. Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus and Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center are also closed due to flooding.

Tri-Rail service between Metrorail Transfer and MiamiCentral stations remains suspended due to flooding conditions on the railroad. Sandbags are available for residents to pick up at Douglas Park, North Miami’s public works facility, and Opa-locka’s public works department.

Flood Warnings and Watches

Flood warnings are in effect for Miami-Dade and Broward, while a flood watch is in effect until Friday. The wet, stormy weather pattern will hold in South Florida until the end of the work week.

Tropical Disturbance and Future Rainfall

In southern Florida, a rare flash flood emergency has been brought on by a tropical disturbance, restricting traveller movement and closing roadways. The disturbance was pushing across Florida from the Gulf of Mexico at the early June start of the hurricane season, which is forecast to be among the most active in recent memory amid concerns that climate change is increasing storm intensity.

It was predicted that the disturbance, which crossed Florida and entered the Atlantic Ocean, would have very little chance of developing into a tropical system and has not yet reached cyclone status. For the next few days, there is a forecast of continued heavy rainfall over parts of the Florida peninsula.

Road Closures and Public Safety Warnings

Numerous roads were flooded and impassable for vehicles, with southbound traffic being diverted around a flooded section and contractors on their way to pump the drainage system.

The Miami weather service office issued increasingly dire warnings, urging people to stay off the roadways and get to higher ground. Florida’s 2024 hurricane season arrives with a rainy deluge, with temperatures forecast to be near record-breaking.

Personal Stories of Residents

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava issued a local state of emergency due to heavy rain and flooding. In Hollywood, Mike Viesel was caught in deep floodwater while driving home with his dog Humi.

To avoid the flooded street in front of St., Hector Guifarro climbed around to the front of his car. Edwards Apartments in Edgewater. Alfredo Rodriguez moved into a building that has flooded five times since he moved in, and the lobby of the building had water puddles inside.

Flight Cancellations and Delays

Dozens of flights were delayed or canceled at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and the NHL’s Florida Panthers were delayed more than three hours from departing for their flight to Edmonton for the Stanley Cup Final’s Games 3 and 4. North of West Palm Beach, on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, an EF-1 tornado struck Hobe Sound, damaging several banyan trees as well as a business.

Significant Rainfall and Forecast

Heavy rain has been falling over parts of South Florida, with Miami receiving 6 inches of rain on Tuesday and 7 inches in Miami Beach on Wednesday. The National Weather Service reports that 9 inches of rain had fallen on parts of South Florida from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Miami weather service office has extended its flash flood watch until Thursday, meaning that an additional 6 inches of rain may fall in some areas. Read more News