South Florida has experienced extensive flooding as a result of unrelenting downpours, following days of unfavorable weather conditions.
This flooding has led to road closures and the temporary shutdown of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The severe weather on Wednesday also triggered numerous tornado warnings in Broward County, specifically in the vicinity of FLL. The region encompassing Fort Lauderdale to just south of Dania Beach, which was under the most recent tornado warning, continues to be under a severe thunderstorm warning.
The area has witnessed gusty winds ranging from 45 to 60 mph. A flash flood warning remains active from near Sunny Isles Beach to downtown Fort Lauderdale until 8:15 p.m.
At 6 p.m., the most intense rainfall in Broward County was still receding offshore. In a neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, where flooding has been persistent throughout the week, a road resembled a lake.
Although the rain had started at noon, by 5 p.m., it had dwindled to a drizzle, but it was still raining. Despite the waterlogged roads, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue teams were brave enough to respond to calls.
Due to street flooding in Dania Beach, deputies from the Broward Sheriff’s Office closed Stirling Road between Federal Highway and Southwest Fourth Avenue.
During a downpour, 7News cameras captured standing water on Stirling Road, just west of Federal Highway, as several stalled vehicles left drivers stranded.
Interstate 95 northbound also experienced a slowdown due to the flooding, from the Golden Glades Interchange up to at least the intersection with Interstate 595, with drivers reporting low visibility while going eastbound.
The initial temporary closure of the airport and surrounding roads became a complete shutdown until further notice.
The ground stop at FLL is anticipated to be lifted once the weather improves. In addition, lightning activity and heavy downpours have been recorded in various areas of Miami-Dade, including Coral Gables, South Miami, and Westchester.
A bicyclist wearing a yellow raincoat navigated through a flooded sidewalk near Sans Souci Boulevard in North Miami.
Flash Flood emergency declared in Fort Lauderdale led to road closures and the temporary shutdown of Hollywood International Airport