South Florida is grappling with intense rains expected to last until Saturday, causing significant flooding, tornadoes, highway closures, school suspensions, and the cancellation of nearly 300 flights in recent hours.
"Insurance companies are going to go bankrupt after this storm... Here’s a glimpse of some of the wildest moments from today's floods!" summed up the popular Instagram account Only in Dade.
Stunning images shared on social media reveal the extent of the weather crisis, prompting Governor Ron DeSantis to declare a state of emergency in the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota. The images of hundreds of cars navigating avenues turned into rivers are quickly going viral.
Adding to the chaos, some daring individuals are turning the bad weather into a source of fun: swimming in the streets, using surfboards and other marine gear, or simply dancing in the rain. Some even take the opportunity to wash their cars in the downpour.
Numerous drivers have found themselves stranded with their vehicles in the middle of the road. One of the viral videos features a luxury Bentley submerged in water, which the driver was forced to abandon. Certain sections of Interstate 95 in Broward and Miami-Dade were temporarily shut down.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava declared a local state of emergency on Wednesday night, effective immediately, in response to the severe weather. "While our departments work to keep residents and businesses safe, this is a necessary step to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of our entire community," the mayor stated on the social media platform X.
Several universities have temporarily suspended classes, while the platform FlightAware, which tracks canceled and delayed flights, reported at least 285 flight cancellations at Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports.
More rain is forecast for the remainder of the week, leading Miami's weather service office to extend a flash flood warning until Thursday. In some areas, an additional 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain could fall.
Impact and Response to South Florida Flooding
To help our readers better understand the ongoing situation and its implications, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the flooding in South Florida.
What areas are most affected by the flooding?
The counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota are most affected by the recent flooding.
How many flights have been canceled due to the weather?
At least 285 flights have been canceled at the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports.