Climate
South Florida hit with heavy rain, causing severe flooding
The National Weather Service said that 10 to 14 inches of rain had fallen across South Florida since Wednesday morning, prompting the agency to issue a flash flood warning in the area
April 13, 2023 3:20am
Updated: April 13, 2023 2:34pm
A once-in-a-half-century torrential downpour on Wednesday has left parts of South Florida under flash flood warnings and severe flooding.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said that 10 to 14 inches of rain had fallen across South Florida since Wednesday morning, prompting the agency to issue a flash flood warning in the area. An additional two to four inches of rain are possible, the NWS added.
“This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION,” the NWS warned. “Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
A flash flood EMERGENCY is in effect for areas near Hollywood, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. This is a life threatening situation. https://t.co/gJWhKmGsnq
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) April 13, 2023
“We’ve recorded over 12 inches of rain since midnight, and that’s on top of consecutive days of seemingly nonstop rain,” Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy told CNN. “The ground was already saturated so there is extensive flooding all over our city, and throughout South Florida. Many roadways are impassable. Lots of vehicles got stuck and left abandoned in the middle of our roadways.”
Fort Lauderdale, in particular, “is experiencing severe flooding in multiple areas of the city,” Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue said on social media. The city activated its emergency operations center and is preparing to conduct rescue operations throughout the city.
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport canceled several flights and closed its runways due to the flooding in the area. Additionally, Broward County Public Schools announced that the district will be closed on Thursday.
"Our entrance and exit roads are still flooded and congested with vehicular traffic," the airport tweeted, asking travelers to avoid going to the airport until the weather improved.
According to the NWS Miami, there is a 50% chance of rain on Thursday during the day and 30% during the evening. However, thunderstorms are expected on Friday.
