Severe Weather Triggers State of Emergency in South Florida

South Florida is grappling with severe flooding and heavy rainfall that prompted Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday. Over the past 24 hours, parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties have experienced flash flood warnings, with rainfall rates submerging streets and halting traffic.

Sarasota faced a record 3.93 inches of rain within an hour, causing ground stops at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), resulting in delays of over seven hours. DeSantis’ emergency declaration covers Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties. Local officials, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, have also declared states of emergency.

Fort Lauderdale’s major roads, such as Broward Boulevard and Federal Highway, are heavily flooded, while Dania Beach reported 40 rescues by emergency services. Lee County saw a driver rescued from floodwaters, and Martin County experienced tree and powerline damage from a possible tornado. The National Weather Service has advised residents to seek higher ground and avoid travel unless necessary.

Flood advisories remain in effect, with further rainfall expected through the week. MIA and FLL reported significant flight cancellations and delays, impacting travel plans. Power outages affected over 10,000 customers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, exacerbating the challenging conditions. The Florida Panthers’ departure for their Stanley Cup Final game was delayed due to the weather.

Officials have deployed pump trucks to the most affected areas, and part of I-95 in Broward County is closed due to flooding. The current weather pattern is expected to persist until the weekend, with additional rainfall forecasted, continuing the risk of flooding.