Parts of southern Florida continued to get inundated with heavy rainfall Wednesday, with Gov. Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency tonight for several counties, including Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota.
The National Weather Service in Miami said Wednesday evening that portions of Broward and Miami-Dade counties — including Hallandale and Hollywood — are continuing to see “life-threatening flooding” impacting homes, businesses and roads.
Stalled vehicles sit in a flooded street in Aventura, FL, June 12, 2024.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis had previously declared a state of emergency due to “ongoing heavy rainfall” that has flooded major roadways.
“Our emergency management staff is actively monitoring the situation and mobilizing resources across the City,” Trantalis said on social media.
Trantalis said high-water vehicles have been deployed throughout the city to respond as needed, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission will be sending boats and buggies, but urged people to stay off the roads if possible.
People walk through a flooded street in Hallandale Beach, FL, June 12, 2024,
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava had also declared a state of emergency due to the weather.
“As our departments work to keep residents and business[es] safe, this is a necessary step to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our entire community,” she said.
Up to seven inches of rain had already fallen across Broward and Miami-Dade counties by Wednesday afternoon, with several more inches expected to fall.
Rainfall rates in the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood area reached four inches per hour Wednesday afternoon. Sarasota also saw a rainfall rate of nearly four inches per hour.
A screengrab from a video posted to X shows rain in Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 12, 2024.
Lily Funds/X
More than 10 inches of rain had already fallen across Broward and Miami-Dade counties on Wednesday, with several more inches expected to fall.
Rainfall rates in the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood area reached six inches per hour Wednesday afternoon. Sarasota also saw a rainfall rate of nearly four inches per hour.
A widespread six to 10 inches of rain had already fallen from Sarasota to Miami over the past few days as the region continued to get drenched on Wednesday. Sarasota saw record rainfall Tuesday; more than half a foot fell, most in just a few hours, causing significant flash flooding on streets.
The flood watch continues for southern Florida through Friday evening, with rain totals potentially reaching potentially 15 to 20 inches.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for parts of the state due to heavy rain causing major flooding. The affected areas include several counties in central and northern Florida, where relentless downpours have led to rising waters and widespread damage.
The heavy rainfall, which has been ongoing for several days, has overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers and streams to overflow their banks. In some areas, roads have been washed out, homes have been flooded, and residents have been forced to evacuate.
Governor DeSantis issued the state of emergency in order to mobilize resources and provide assistance to those affected by the flooding. The declaration allows for the activation of emergency response teams, the deployment of additional personnel and equipment, and the allocation of funds to support recovery efforts.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to follow any evacuation orders or safety precautions issued by local authorities. It is important for individuals to take precautions to protect themselves and their property during this time of heightened risk.
The state of emergency serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters and extreme weather events. It is crucial for individuals to have a plan in place for emergencies, including knowing evacuation routes, having emergency supplies on hand, and staying informed about weather conditions.
As the heavy rain continues to fall and the flooding persists, Governor DeSantis and emergency response teams are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the affected areas. By coming together as a community and supporting one another during this challenging time, Florida will be able to recover and rebuild from the devastating effects of the flooding.
