The city of Fort Lauderdale, with a population of 181,000, activated its emergency operations center early Thursday and procured airboats to assist in rescue operations if needed, after torrential rains submerge South Florida. Due to this rainfall, the daily activities of human life has been paralyzed in South Florida.
Torrential Rains Submerge South Florida
According to radar estimates, 11 to 12 inches of rain fell in the Fort Lauderdale area, with a staggering 17 inches recorded closer to the coast. Chuck Caracozza, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Miami, emphasized the extreme danger in the area and urged people to avoid traveling on the roads.
Airport Closure and Stranded Travelers
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport declared that it would not resume operations until a minimum of Thursday noon. Incessant rainfall resulted in flooded entrance and exit roads, leaving travelers stranded at the airport. There was one passenger who had been stranded at the airport, he said, I never saw anything like this in my entire life.
Transportation Disruptions and Safety Warnings
City officials advised residents to stay off the roads until water levels receded. Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief Stephen Gollan reported numerous instances of cars getting stuck in the flood-waters. Due to the rising waters, passenger train service between Miami and Fort Lauderdale was suspended, and Broward County Public Schools announced school closures on Thursday.
Emergency Calls and Public Facility Closures
Broward County’s regional communications center was overwhelmed with 911 calls related to the rain, prompting the sheriff’s office to ask people to reserve the emergency number for urgent situations only. Fort Lauderdale’s government also declared city facilities closed on Thursday, stating that its storm-water system was designed to handle only 3 inches of rain over 24 hours, yet some areas experienced a foot of rainfall.
Impassable Roads and Weather Forecast
The city of Hollywood, Florida, south of Fort Lauderdale, warned that many areas within its 150,000-person jurisdiction were impassable early Thursday. Residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain in safe locations until floodwaters subsided. The weather service had forecasted heavy rain in parts of Florida on Wednesday due to a lifting warm front, with rain and wind expected to shift to the central Gulf Coast on Thursday.
Worst Floods in South Florida
- One of the worst floods in South Florida occurred in September 2017 when Hurricane Irma hit the region. The storm caused widespread flooding, power outages, and damage to homes and infrastructure. Some areas, such as the Florida Keys, were completely cut off from the mainland due to floodwaters and storm surge.
- Another notable flood occurred in October 2019 when a strong thunderstorm hit the city of Miami, causing severe flooding in several neighborhoods. The floodwaters damaged homes and businesses and caused power outages, and some areas were under several feet of water.
- In May 2021, heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in Miami-Dade County, leading to the closure of roads and schools and causing damage to homes and businesses. The flooding was particularly severe in the city of Hialeah, where some streets were submerged in several feet of water.
South Florida is at High Risk for Flooding
Due to its location and topography, South Florida is at high risk for flooding, especially during the rainy season and hurricane season. It is important for residents to be aware of this vulnerability and take proactive measures to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of flooding. This includes having a plan in place for evacuation, securing property and possessions, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage. It is also essential for local and state authorities to implement flood prevention and management strategies, such as building flood control infrastructure and improving drainage systems, to reduce the risk and impact of floods on the community.
