Relentless rain has inundated South Florida this week, flooding neighborhoods, stranding drivers and canceling flights — and the threat isn’t over.
North Miami has been overwhelmed by 21.7 inches of rain this week.
People traveling navigate flooded sections of streets as heavy rains continue for a third day in Naples on June 13, 2024.
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A person walks next to stuck cars, in a flooded neighborhood in Hallandale Beach, Florida, June 13, 2024.
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One North Miami resident said he was stuck at home for three days, telling ABC News, “It was like a wave coming through the house.”
Some areas have recorded more than 2 feet of rain since Tuesday.
A car is driven along a flooded street in Hallandale Beach, Fla., on Thursday morning, June 13, 2024.
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An abandoned car sits submerged in flood waters near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 13, 2024, after heavy rainfall hit the area.
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Oscar Trejo sits in a car after putting the vehicle into neutral as he helps attempt to pull it out of the canal on June 13, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The vehicle’s driver said she drove into the canal after following the GPS directions and couldn’t see the actual road because of the flood waters.
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On Friday, another 5 inches of rain is possible.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is warning of potentially significant flash flooding from Miami to Hollywood to Homestead to the Everglades.
Flood waters surround homes on June 13, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. Tropical moisture passing through the area has caused flooding due to the heavy rain.
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In an aerial view, people check on a car stuck in a flooded street on June 13, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
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In an aerial view, flood waters inundate a neighborhood on June 13, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida. As tropical moisture passes through the area, areas have become flooded due to the heavy rain.
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Flood watches will remain in effect through Friday evening for Fort Myers, Naples, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Then, over the weekend, some light rain is in the forecast.
A person uses a kayak to float through a flooded street on June 12, 2024, in Hollywood, Florida. As tropical moisture passes through the area, areas have become flooded due to the heavy rain.
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A person waits for help in a stalled vehicle sitting in the flooded street on June 12, 2024, in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
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South Florida residents are bracing themselves for continued flooding as the region grapples with record rainfall of over 2 feet in recent weeks. The torrential downpours have left many areas waterlogged and vulnerable to further inundation.
The unprecedented amount of rainfall has overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers and canals to overflow, leading to widespread flooding in low-lying areas. Roads have been submerged, homes have been inundated, and businesses have been forced to close as a result of the deluge.
Officials are warning residents to be prepared for more flooding in the coming days as the ground remains saturated and more rain is forecasted. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for several counties in South Florida, urging residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
In response to the flooding, emergency management agencies have been working around the clock to monitor water levels, provide assistance to affected residents, and coordinate rescue efforts. Sandbags have been distributed to help shore up vulnerable areas, and shelters have been opened for those displaced by the rising waters.
The flooding in South Florida serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat of extreme weather events brought on by climate change. As sea levels rise and storms become more intense, communities across the region are facing greater risks of flooding and other weather-related disasters.
Residents are urged to stay informed about weather conditions, heed evacuation orders if necessary, and take steps to protect their homes and property from flood damage. By working together and taking proactive measures, South Florida residents can better prepare for the challenges posed by continued flooding and ensure their safety in the face of extreme weather events.
