Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains in South Florida have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a “life-threatening flooding” warning, with major flooding shutting down parts of critical infrastructure like I-95 in Fort Lauderdale. The deluge has also led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights in and out of South Florida airports as the storm continues to wreak havoc on the region. The storm is expected to linger over Southwest and South Florida, with some areas already experiencing over 7 inches of rain and more expected in the coming days, particularly in Lee County and Fort Myers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has declared a state of emergency for five counties, including Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota, as the torrential rainfall shows no signs of letting up. The floods have forced closures of businesses, flooding of structures, and numerous road closures across the affected counties. The storm has prompted residents to recall similar events from the past, with many expressing concerns about the growing frequency and severity of flooding incidents. Emergency officials are urging residents to be prepared, plan for evacuations, and stay safe as flash floods can strike with little warning, underscoring the importance of being ready for emergencies.
