South Florida is currently experiencing heavy rain and flooding, leading to several emergencies being declared in various counties. On June 12, 2024, a flash flood emergency was announced for parts of South Florida due to the heavy rain that was expected to continue for several days (Source 1). The National Weather Service also issued a tornado watch in Palm Beach County (Source 1).
I-95 is currently closed near Fort Lauderdale due to flooding, causing significant disruptions for travelers. More than 15 inches of rain has already fallen in one area near the Big Cypress National Preserve, and Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for five counties: Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota (Source 2). Flooding is occurring or imminent in rivers, streams, canals and other low-lying areas in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Some structures have flooded and numerous roads remain closed (Source 2).
The city of Fort Lauderdale is in the process of installing $500 million in stormwater infrastructure upgrades, including tidal control valves, drainage pipes, raising seawalls and constructing stormwater reserves to mitigate future flooding (Source 2). Milena A. Amit abandoned plans to work late due to rising floodwaters outside her downtown Fort Lauderdale law firm (Source 2).
In Sarasota County, some restaurants closed due to flooding and others were left deserted. The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office received 18 service calls for cars stuck in water and four calls for abandoned cars. The county's fire department received 43 calls for cars stuck in floodwater, 39 calls for fire alarms and 15 calls for downed wires (Source 3). Between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday, personnel responded to a total of 282 service calls – an increase of over 100 from their daily average (Source 3).
The severe flooding is not limited to Fort Lauderdale and Miami; Naples and Collier County are also experiencing heavy rainfall, with a severe flood warning in effect until 8 a.m. on June 13 (Source 4). Slow moving thunderstorms are causing heavy rainfall around Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Ave Maria, Chokoloskee and Golden Gate Estates (Source 4). Flooding of rivers, creeks and other low-lying areas is expected. Extreme flash flooding is possible throughout the night (Source 4).
The National Weather Service issued a Special Weather Statement for Collier County regarding a strong radar-indicated thunderstorm moving east at 20 mph, which could bring winds in excess of 40 mph and gusty winds that may knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects (Source 4).
Trade Center Way and Shirley Street at Pine Ridge Road are closed due to flooding from heavy rains (Source 4). Between 3 and 5 inches of rain have fallen in the warned area, with an expected rainfall rate of four to six inches in one hour, which may result in flash flooding (Source 4). Big Cypress National Preserve is also expected to experience flash flooding (Source 4).
Collier County has gotten between two and three inches of rain today with an additional one to three inches expected today, resulting in minor flooding (Source 4). There was a radar-confirmed tornado at the section of Alligator Alley near the Miccosukee Service Plaza earlier today, but the warning has since expired (Source 4). Naples had 3.9 inches of rain on Tuesday June 11, setting a new record for daily maximum rainfall in the city (Source 5).
Governor Ron DeSantis and several county mayors have declared states of emergency to address the flooding situation. It is important for residents and travelers to stay informed about road closures, evacuation orders, and other updates from local authorities.
