Heavy rainfall in South Florida over four days leads to a state of emergency declared by Governor Ron DeSantis in multiple counties. Emergency services conduct rescues as residents wade through waist-deep waters, causing disruptions in major areas including Hallandale Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Severe flooding has struck South Florida, causing significant disruption and damage. Heavy rainfall, starting Tuesday, continued for four days, transforming roads into canals and prompting residents to wade through waist-deep waters. Major affected areas include Hallandale Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties. The National Weather Service issued flood watches covering over seven million people, with an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain anticipated through Friday night.
Emergency services conducted numerous rescues, particularly in Hallandale Beach, where some stranded motorists had to be rescued from their vehicle roofs. Schools and public services faced closures, and hundreds of flights were canceled or delayed. In Miami, severe flooding submerged cars and forced residents to evacuate their homes.
The intense rainfall was partly due to tropical moisture streaming in from the Caribbean. This system has caused comparable flooding in other regions, including Mallorca and unseasonally warm winter weather in New Zealand.
Authorities emphasize remaining indoors and avoiding flooded areas to ensure safety.
